Tag Archives: IDF

Hamas frees 20 hostages in wake of US-backed deal

| October 13, 2025

Hamas freed the last 20 living Israeli hostages on October 13, handing them over to the Red Cross, which transported them to Israeli officials. Hamas is also supposed to hand over the bodies of 28 hostages held since its attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir stated that the deal agreed to in Egypt on October 8 constitutes a victory for Israel. The IDF completed a withdrawal from several areas of Gaza as part of the agreement.

Profiles of notable terrorists Israel will release in ceasefire deal with Hamas

| October 10, 2025

As a part of the first phase of the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, Israel is set to release almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Among the prisoners to be released are members of Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and other armed organizations. FDD’s Long War Journal has profiled 10 of these individuals who were imprisoned for high-profile attacks and crimes.

Israel, Hamas agree to Gaza deal in Egypt

| October 9, 2025

Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase of a Gaza peace deal overnight between October 8 and 9. This initial phase is supposed to see the release of 48 Israeli hostages, around 20 of whom are believed to be alive, and a withdrawal by the IDF from some areas of Gaza. Israel’s cabinet convened to vote on the deal on October 9, with hostages set to return by October 14. The agreement followed talks in Egypt mediated by delegations from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, with US, Hamas, and Israeli delegations present. The Israeli military in Gaza prepared to redeploy to new lines as talks progress to the next phase.

Israel sends delegation to Egypt for ceasefire talks

| October 6, 2025

An Israeli delegation traveled to Sharm el Sheikh on October 6 to begin talks aimed at ending the war in Gaza. US President Donald Trump announced on October 3 that Hamas had agreed to the 20-point Gaza peace plan he had announced on September 29. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said pressure must continue on Hamas to get the group to release the 48 hostages held in Gaza. Hamas has indicated that the talks in Egypt may take several days, and Trump has urged all parties to “move fast” to finalize the deal.

IDF moves to cut off Gaza City from central Gaza

| October 2, 2025

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) extended operations and control in and around Gaza City between September 28 and October 2. Israeli troops moved west along the Netzarim Corridor, cutting off the city from Central Gaza. Israel’s minister of defense said that the IDF is tightening its siege around Gaza City and told remaining residents that it was their “last chance” to move south via IDF checkpoints along the coast. Five rockets were launched at Israel in the evening of October 1.

US, Israel await Hamas answer after peace deal push

| October 1, 2025

US President Donald Trump announced a peace plan for Gaza as he hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on September 29. During a joint press conference, Trump said that the proposal has the backing of numerous Arab and Muslim countries. Netanyahu accepted the proposal after several last-minute changes, according to reports. It is now up to Hamas to accept or reject the deal. The initiative envisions disarming Hamas and replacing it with a new government that will be backed by a “Board of Peace.”

Israel and Syria close to a security agreement

| September 24, 2025

On September 23, US Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack claimed that Syria and Israel “are close to striking a ‘de-escalation’ agreement in which Israel will stop its attacks while Syria will agree not to move any machinery or heavy equipment near the Israeli border.”

More than 600,000 Gazans have evacuated Gaza City amid growing IDF offensive

| September 24, 2025

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) estimated on September 23 that around 640,000 people had evacuated Gaza City as Israel’s offensive into the urban area expanded. On September 24, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir called on residents of Gaza to “rise up and break away from Hamas — it is responsible for your suffering.” An IDF soldier was killed in fighting in northern Gaza on September 23, and another was wounded on September 24. Hamas also targeted Ashdod and southern Israel with two rockets.

Israel expands push into Gaza City center with 3 IDF divisions

| September 18, 2025

Israel expanded operations in Gaza City on September 16, with three Israel Defense Forces (IDF) divisions now operating against Hamas. While visiting Israel on September 15, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that “the US prefers the war end quickly via a negotiated settlement.” Four Israeli soldiers were killed in southern Gaza, the IDF announced on September 18.

IDF completes preparations for next phase of Gaza City offensive

| September 14, 2025

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continued operations targeting high-rises in Gaza City during the week of September 7–14, saying Hamas has used these buildings for various terrorist purposes. The IDF has also completed preparations for an expanded ground offensive into Gaza City. An estimated 300,000 people have evacuated Gaza City after the IDF called on civilians to move south. Four soldiers were killed in fighting in northern Gaza.

Israel targets Hamas leaders in Qatar

| September 9, 2025

Israel attacked a gathering of senior Hamas members in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday afternoon. Israel has said it is awaiting confirmation if the operation was successful, while Hamas has denied that its leaders were killed in the attack. However, Hamas acknowledged that five members of its delegation died in the strike, including the son of senior member Khalil al Hayya.

IDF targets high-rise buildings as Gaza City offensive ramps up

| September 8, 2025

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) struck a high-rise building in Gaza on September 8. It is the fourth hit since September 5, when the IDF began a new campaign of airstrikes against tall buildings in Gaza City. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that a “hurricane” was coming for Hamas in Gaza as the IDF expands its offensive.

Israel builds new aid centers in Gaza while troops target Hamas

| August 28, 2025

The Israeli military said on August 28 that it is building two new humanitarian aid sites in Gaza. The US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation said that it has distributed 140 million meals since May 2025. In southern and northern Gaza, Israeli troops carried out raids in Jabaliya and areas of Khan Younis.

IDF conducts inquiry into strikes near Gaza’s Nasser Hospital

| August 27, 2025

Israel’s military vowed to complete an inquiry into strikes near the Nasser Hospital in Gaza that killed a number of people, including civilians, on August 25. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the country “deeply regrets the tragic mishap that occurred today at the Nasser Hospital in Gaza.” The IDF published findings of an initial inquiry on August 26 that said troops had targeted a camera being used by terrorists.

IDF raids West Bank financial institution over links to terrorism

| August 26, 2025

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and other security personnel conducted an operation in the West Bank city of Ramallah to seize funds destined for Hamas. The effort was linked to a broader military campaign that began earlier this year, targeting Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and other terrorist organizations.

Israeli military begins new offensive targeting Gaza City

| August 20, 2025

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) began a new operation to take control of Gaza City on August 19. The operation has been dubbed Gideon’s Chariots II and builds on the achievements of Gideon’s Chariots, launched in May. The IDF now controls approximately 75 percent of Gaza. To take Gaza City, the IDF has called up 60,000 reservists.

Israel intensifies outreach to Iranians as Tehran anticipates another war

| August 15, 2025

As Tehran continues to ready for a potential conflict, Israel has ramped up direct appeals to the Iranian public, offering water technology, urging protests, and hinting at a regime collapse. The Israeli campaign has drawn sharp backlash from Iranian leaders, while both sides maintain a shadow war marked by likely sabotage and public military preparations.

Israeli security cabinet approves plan to capture and control Gaza City

| August 8, 2025

Twenty-two months after Hamas invaded southern Israel and started the war, Israel’s security cabinet voted in favor of occupying Gaza City. The decision came after the conclusion of Operation Gideon’s Chariots, where Israel was unable to disarm Hamas and rescue the remaining hostages held in captivity by terrorist groups in the territory. In protest of the cabinet’s decision, the German government announced that it would halt arms for Israel that could be used in Gaza.

Israel’s security cabinet to convene on expanding military campaign against Hamas

| August 6, 2025

Israel is set to decide on occupying the Gaza Strip following the collapse of ceasefire talks with Hamas in Doha, according to reports. The decision is expected to be discussed and potentially approved in a security cabinet meeting on August 7. Hamas has warned against the move, saying it will endanger the lives of the hostages that it and other terrorist groups have held for almost two years.