In a historic move, the Israeli military's Kfir Brigade, established in 2005, has entered the Gaza Strip for the first time, embarking on a mission to dismantle Hamas infrastructure. The brigade's forces have already located and obliterated more than 30 tunnel shafts, dealing a significant blow to Hamas's underground network. 

As the Kfir Brigade intensifies its operations, soldiers have directed dozens of airstrikes and around 100 artillery strikes on Hamas targets in northern Gaza. In addition to combating from a distance, the brigade is engaged in close-quarters combat with Hamas terror squads, showcasing their adaptability in varied conflict scenarios. 

Why is Kfir Brigade feared by Hamas? 

The Kfir Brigade, specializing in counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism, and conventional warfare, is demonstrating its versatility by operating in the challenging terrain of the Gaza Strip. Col. Yaniv Barot, the brigade's commander, emphasized the collaboration with other units and the Air Force, which has proven crucial for operational success. The destruction of over 30 tunnel shafts marks a significant achievement in disrupting Hamas's clandestine infrastructure. 

The brigade, comprising five battalions with a history of counter-terror operations, is actively contributing to Israel's ongoing efforts to maintain security. Since October 7, Israeli security forces have arrested approximately 2,100 Palestinian terrorists, with 1,100 associated with Hamas. The commitment to continuous improvement and learning in the face of daily battles underscores the professionalism and dedication of the Kfir Brigade. 

IDF announces humanitarian corridor amid ground operations 

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have declared a new humanitarian corridor in the southern Gaza Strip, underscoring their commitment to minimizing civilian casualties. Lt Col Avichai Adree, the IDF spokesman, announced the corridor west of Khan Yunis, urging Palestinians to avoid specified areas due to heavy fighting. This move aligns with Israel's strategy to balance security measures with humanitarian concerns. 

Israeli forces, expanding their ground operations, are conducting extensive activities in Rafah, Khan Yunis, Shejaiya in northern Gaza, and Tuffah neighborhood east of Gaza City. The IDF's efforts aim to dismantle Hamas's capabilities while providing humanitarian relief where possible. The heavy toll on both sides is evident, with at least 1,200 casualties from Hamas's attacks on Israeli communities and ongoing efforts to locate and identify individuals taken back to Gaza as hostages. 

The Kfir Brigade's unprecedented entry into the Gaza Strip and its successful operations against Hamas tunnels mark a significant development in Israel's ongoing efforts to secure its borders and protect its citizens. The multifaceted approach, including ground operations and the establishment of humanitarian corridors, reflects the complexity of the situation and the commitment to addressing security challenges while minimizing civilian impact.