Israel Suspects New Terror Infiltrations, Looking for Tunnels

Jerusalem, 9 October, 2023 (TPS) -- As shootouts between Hamas and Israeli security forces continued in southern Israeli communities on Monday morning, the Israel Defense Forces said it suspected new infiltrations from Gaza via a tunnel.

“We are currently investigating the possibility that terrorists have infiltrated Israel through tunnels. Field scans are underway to confirm this. As of now, there are six active battle zones in the Gaza Strip,” IDF spokesman Brigadier General Daniel Hagari said.

“Last night, approximately 70 terrorists infiltrated Kibbutz Bari. After a gunfight, most were killed, but some have barricaded themselves in homes within the kibbutz. In Kfar Aaza, our forces identified seven terrorists who, after an exchange of gunfire, fled and are now hiding in the kibbutz’s fields. Other affected locations include Niri, Alumim, Shaar Hanegev, Nir Oz, and Holit. There are still terrorists in the area.”

The suspicion is that the tunnel shaft is in the area of Kfar Aza, an agricultural kibbutz about five km from the Gaza border.

Another terrorist was thwarted on Monday morning trying to penetrate the Zikim base.

Meanwhile, residents of Sderot were warned to stay in their homes as security forces searched for terrorists in the city. Shortly afterwards, the Red Alert rocket warning was triggered, sending residents to bomb shelters.

Sderot Mayor Alon Davidi told the Tazpit Press Service, “We are 48 hours after the the war started, Sderot is under fire and infiltrated by terrorists. Together with the security forces, we both neutralize the terrorists and take care of the civilians.”

Davidi added, “The nation of Israel is the eternal people. The country is now under severe attack but with God’s help we will win and our army will win.”

At least 700 people have been killed and 2,300 injured since Hamas terrorists infiltrated Israel on Saturday, taking hostages back to Gaza. Gaza terror groups have also fired at least 3,000 rockets.