Using More Tech

The Israel Defense Force is using high tech in the war against Hamas as we’re told in a report from The Jerusalem Post:

Israel has recently intensified its intelligence operations, using drones to deploy espionage devices in various areas of the Gaza Strip and collect information on future targets, the London-based Arabic newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat reported, citing sources from Palestinian terror factions in Gaza.

And even better, they are getting information on the hostages with the drones:

The report also said that some of these drones are being used to gather intelligence on hostages still held in Gaza.

The reports also tell how easy to deploy these devices are:

Other sources from Gaza-based terrorist organizations claimed that the newly deployed surveillance tools released by drones include cameras and other wiretapping devices as small as a worm. These devices, they alleged, are hidden in bags placed in remote areas, cemeteries, and sometimes even in densely populated neighborhoods.

As we would expect from sources sympathetic to Hamas they say that the devices are being found and destroyed. They are also trying to see when Israel retrieves them:

The sources further stated that operatives from terrorist groups have identified and neutralized some of these espionage attempts.

According to the report, Gaza’s security forces have been monitoring these drop sites to determine whether Israeli operatives arrive to collect the devices.

Regardless, these tools are working:

This surveillance has reportedly led to the arrest of several Palestinians.

And the IDF is getting good information even as they are no longer occupying areas:

Additionally, the sources claimed that Israel is gathering as much intelligence as possible to update its target database in Gaza. They identified several locations where drones have been observed deploying these espionage devices, including central Khan Yunis, Deir al-Balah, the al-Nuseirat refugee camp, the al-Bureij refugee camp, the al-Zawaida refugee camp, and several neighborhoods in Gaza City.

As such, terrorists in Gaza are fearful that the IDF is able to target them without troops:

Terrorist organizations in the Strip are reportedly on high alert, fearing a sudden IDF operation by air or ground. The sources also claimed that Israel has been using a type of suicide drone, which has already been deployed in targeted assassinations of terrorists and field commanders during the war.

Helping Find Hostages

Many of us wondered if the blatant spectacles of releasing hostages would play into the hand of Israel, and apparently it has:

In light of the reports, Hamas has reportedly issued new security regulations warning of the alleged Israeli intelligence efforts to monitor activities in Gaza, particularly in areas where hostage handovers occur.

Hamas acknowledges that the IDF is indeed gathering information on the hostages using these tools:

According to a Hamas-affiliated Telegram channel, Al-Hares (The Guardian), A Hamas commander within Gaza’s National Security stated that Israel has increased its intelligence operations in the Strip, particularly during Ramadan, as part of efforts to gather information about hostages.

All of this is leading Hamas to believe that the intelligence is in preparation for attacks:

“Due to Israel’s intelligence efforts and information gathering, families of resistance fighters must proceed with extreme caution and be ready for any emergency situation,” the channel stated.

The message further instructed Gazans to avoid sharing information about Hamas members, limit media exposure, and refrain from posting details on social media.

Israel has more abilities than they are letting on and all we need to do is remember the devastating exploding pager attacks on Hezbollah leaders, attacks that took out even the highest levels of those terrorists in Lebanon. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that they are using tiny spy devices even while a ceasefire is ongoing. And it should give the families and relatives of the remaining living hostages that their locations could be known so rescues are in the offing. All of this is also an answer to our prayers that those still being held captive are going to be not only found but returned. And if Hamas is fearful of what Israel is doing they will make mistakes, mistakes that could lead to their downfall. This bit of good news is always welcome as we pray for the peace of Jerusalem.