New: Gaza 'Militants' Raid on Israel Repulsed

Militants from Gaza tried to stage a raid into Israel on Thursday, the Israeli military said, an attempt that highlighted Israel’s fears that Hamas still poses a threat to its border security despite the group’s diminished military capabilities since it led the attacks of Oct. 7.

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A group of fighters crossed the first of two border fences between Israel and Gaza before encountering an Israeli patrol, engaging in a firefight and retreating further back into Gaza, Israel’s military said. One Israeli soldier was killed in the clash, and three militants were killed by Israeli drone and tank fire.

The militants were carrying rifles and rocket-propelled grenades and were trying to infiltrate in the area of Kerem Shalom, home to one of the major land crossings for bringing humanitarian aid into the beleaguered Gaza Strip, the military said.

Ed Morrissey

It wouldn't be the first time Hamas has attacked aid transit corridors in this war. It does seem a bit desperate to try this now, though, with the IDF on war footing and alert to such tactics. Hamas may have hoped to sabotage aid -- again -- to stoke world opinion against Israel -- again -- over the 'humanitarian disaster' that Gazans created for themselves.

Instead, as the WSJ notes, this may well play into Netanyahu's hands, especially with Gantz considering whether to follow through on his ultimatum tomorrow. 

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