At least 14 Hamas terrorists stormed an IDF outpost in Khan Yunis, wounding two soldiers, one seriously, before Israeli forces responded with ground fire and fighter jets, killing ten or more attackers and preventing further casualties in a fierce confrontation. It is belief the terror group, emerging from a tunnel, aimed to kill and kidnap soldiers in broad daylight.
On Wednesday morning, fourteen Hamas gunmen launched a coordinated assault on an IDF post in Khan Yunis, wounding two Israeli soldiers—one seriously, another moderately, according to Haaretz.
According to the Jerusalem Post, “over 15 Hamas terrorists attempt ambush on IDF Khan Yunis outpost,” prompting “an aerial hunt … underway for the remaining terrorists,” aided by fighter jets.
In a separate report, the Jerusalem Post stated that “IDF soldiers thwarted an attempt by at least 14 terrorists to raid an IDF post in the southern city of Khan Yunis in the Gaza Strip.” The same dispatch added that Israeli forces “returned fire and reportedly managed to kill some of the terrorists.”
Attack Sequence and Immediate Response
Early Wednesday, a coordinated squad of Hamas militants—numbering between 14 and 15—executed a surprise attack against an IDF post in Khan Yunis, injuring two soldiers in the process. The wounded were evacuated, with one in critical condition and the other moderate, per Haaretz’s account.
Simultaneously, the Jerusalem Post confirmed the scale of the attack, describing it as a widespread ambush: “over 15 Hamas terrorists attempt ambush on IDF Khan Yunis outpost.” In response, fighter jets were scrambled and joined army troops in an intense aerial pursuit of fleeing terrorists.
In parallel reporting, the Jerusalem Post noted: “IDF soldiers thwarted an attempt by at least 14 terrorists to raid an IDF post in the southern city of Khan Yunis,” followed by a retaliatory firefight in which Israeli forces “returned fire and reportedly managed to kill some of the terrorists.”
While precise numbers of militant casualties were not confirmed, the quick and lethal response proved effective in repelling the raid.
Context: Operation Gideon’s Chariots II and Ongoing Khan Yunis Campaign
This latest attack occurred amid Israel’s ongoing ground operation in Khan Yunis as part of Operation Gideon’s Chariots II—launched in late May 2025. The campaign targets Hamas infrastructure, militants and tunnel networks throughout southern Gaza.
The Battle of Khan Yunis began on May 26, 2025, with the Kfir Brigade joining earlier footholds to dismantle command and tunnel systems. The region has been a frequent theater of confrontation, as Israeli forces previously entered and withdrew from the city multiple times in 2023–2024.
Israeli Forces’ Tactical Measures
The IDF’s aerial response—deploying fighter jets to intercept and engage militants—mirrors tactics used since the operation’s inception: combining ground threats with rapid airpower to secure outposts and neutralize threats.
The evolving ground campaign in Khan Yunis has continued to advance, with Israeli ground units—including the Golani and Paratroopers brigades—working methodically to uproot remaining Hamas infrastructure and strongholds.
Broader Implications
This skirmish highlights Hamas’s persistent capability to coordinate attacks—even under continuous IDF pressure. The raid on the IDF post underscores the volatility of the front lines in southern Gaza and the need for constant Israeli vigilance.
Successfully thwarting the raid likely prevented further casualties and preserved strategic momentum for Operation Gideon’s Chariots II. Israel’s decisive response demonstrates its commitment to securing Khan Yunis and protecting troops amid a complex and dynamic battlefield.
The two wounded soldiers were reported to be in serious and moderate conditions; follow-up updates on their status have not yet surfaced.
We have achieved 98% of the the IDF’s initial war goals and begs the question, why are we still there? To kill the last few murderers. That can never be achieved as new murderers will always replace them. My heart goes out to the two brave IDF injured soldiers and their families. Let Smotirtich’s sons and daughters replace them. Then we will claim victory get the hostages freed and go home.