Hamas shifts Gaza tactics, escalates kidnapping attempts on IDF

Israeli military warns of Hamas’ new ‘sacrifice strategy’ and close combat.

By David Brummer, World Israel News

Hamas is changing its battlefield approach in Gaza, raising new concerns for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

A senior Israeli official warned that Hamas has adopted a “strategy of sacrifice,” marked by bold, close-quarters combat and an increased risk of soldier abductions, reported Israel Hayom.

“It is reasonable to assume that Hamas seeks to identify weak points in IDF field deployments and conduct more kidnapping attempts,” the official said.

The threat comes as Israeli troops push deeper into urban centers and maintain a constant presence in captured areas.

Unlike previous operations that focused on short, targeted raids, the IDF is now stationed inside Gaza’s cities, surrounding Hamas command hubs.

This change has provoked more direct engagements.

In Khan Younis last week, Hamas fighters emerged from underground tunnels and attacked an IDF bulldozer. They tried to abduct Master Sgt. (res.) Avraham Azulai. Azulai, who fought back but was shot and killed.

Reserve soldier Avraham Azulai, 25, from Yitzhar fell in Gaza today.

Hamas terrorists attempted to ambush and kidnap him while he operated his D9-Dozer; he courageously resisted and was shot multiple times.

Avraham married his wife just three months ago. https://t.co/rm5fzQIqSA pic.twitter.com/CWjGb600DL

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) July 9, 2025

His comrades managed to prevent his body from being taken.

The IDF has since warned its forces to stay alert for further kidnapping efforts.

Military officials assess that Hamas is looking to exploit any operational gaps.

After every clash involving casualties, the IDF conducts debriefings to learn and adapt, but the evolving Hamas tactics are posing new challenges.

Commanders are now reevaluating whether soldiers should continue entering homes for investigation.

Hamas has planted explosives in residential buildings, causing further harm to troops.

Another challenge is protecting IDF armored vehicles. Terrorists have attached explosives to military vehicles, despite infantry units being tasked with guarding them.

However, deploying infantry nearby exposes them to additional risks.

For now, the IDF awaits instructions from Israel’s political leadership on the next phase of the war.

The military says it is capable of capturing another 5 to 7 percent of territory in Gaza but needs government authorization.

The current IDF campaign, dubbed Operation Gideon’s Chariots, is nearing its final stages.

GazaHamashamas kidnappingIDF