IDF acknowledges ‘failure’ in Hamas attack at army camp in Gaza’s Khan Younis

⭕️Earlier today, over 15 terrorists fired both gunfire and anti-tank missiles and attempted to infiltrate a fortified IDF position in Khan Yunis. The troops, with IAF support, eliminated 10 armed terrorists in close-quarters combat.

The incident is ongoing and troops continue to… pic.twitter.com/ra1MekBtsV

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) August 20, 2025

15 gunmen attacked IDF camp

The gunmen who were armed with assault rifles, RPGs, grenades, and explosive devices apparently dug out a new shaft using the existing underground passage during the attack, the report said.

Around 15 gunmen were involved in the attack, the IDF said. After emerging from the tunnel, the gunmen split into three groups, with one stationed on a dirt mound, the second heading into a building in the encampment and the third attacking a building that had soldiers stationed in it.

Two of the gunmen breached the building where the troops were stationed and hurled grenades and opened fire at the soldiers who shot back.

In the ensuing exchange, both gunmen were shot dead, and three soldiers were injured.

The IDF probe found that 15 gunmen were shot dead in the exchange that lasted around 10 minutes.

What Hamas said

Hamas’s military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, took responsibility for the attack in a statement, claiming that its gunmen “stormed the site” and carried out a suicide bombing.

This was one of the most serious attacks on an IDF post by Hamas in recent times. The attack comes as Israel launches a large-scale assault to seize and fully occupy Gaza City.

Gaza takeover plan

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was expected to give final approval Thursday for plans to take over Gaza City, an operation that could start within days. Netanyahu was set to meet with top security officials to sign off on the plans, the Associated Press reported, citing an Israeli official who was not authorised to brief the media.

On Wednesday, the IDF said it plans to call up 60,000 reservists and extend the service of 20,000 others as part of the Gaza takeover plan, which has been condemned by countries around the world.

There is a growing fear that a renewed offensive in Gaza could bring even more casualties and displacement in Gaza. (Photo: Reuters)

There is a growing fear that a renewed offensive in Gaza could bring even more casualties and displacement to the territory, where the war has already killed tens of thousands and where experts have warned of imminent famine.

Families of hostages protest in Tel Aviv

The Gaza takeover plan has also met with opposition from within Israel, especially from the families of the hostages who are still being held by Hamas.

Families of the hostages gathered in Tel Aviv on Wednesday to condemn the expanded operation. Israel believes around 20 hostages are still alive.

“Forty-two hostages were kidnapped alive and murdered in captivity due to military pressure and delay in signing a deal,” said Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law, Eitan Horn, is still being held captive.

Eitan’s brother, Iair Horn, was released during a ceasefire earlier this year.

“Enough to sacrifice the hostages. Enough to sacrifice the soldiers, both regular and reservists. Enough to sacrifice the evacuees. Enough to sacrifice the younger generation in the country,” said Bar Goddard, the daughter of Meni Goddard, whose body is being held by Hamas.