Why is the IDF Operating in Gaza?

To learn more about the war in Gaza, click here.

The answer to the question posed in the title is not so simple, even if some believe it is. Almost three years ago, the October 7 Massacre changed the operational reality of Israel and it became clear that things cannot continue as they were.

Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorists infiltrated Israel and attacked, murdered and kidnapped Israeli civilians, leaving the IDF no choice but to act against the threat. The War of Redemption commenced, and with it the main goals for the IDF’s operations in Gaza were established:

Removing the Terror Threat from Gaza Against Israel, following the October 7 Massacre

The October 7 Massacre left a scar on Israeli society. Operatives of Hamas and the Islamic Jihad, murdered over 1,200 Israelis and kidnapped 251, all in a single day. Some were murdered in their beds, while at a music festival or while driving to rescue victims of the attack.

IDF troops next to cars damaged during the massacre, near the entrance to Kibbutz Alumim -  October 9, 2023

The footage that emerged from that day, some of it filmed by the terrorists themselves as a planned part of the infiltration, is horrifying and exemplifies the cruel and unlawful tactics deployed by the terrorists - maiming, beheading, rape and sexual violence, mutilation of corpses and abduction of civilians.

The IDF began its military operation in Gaza to ensure that a massacre like October 7 will never happen again. Israel has the right to defend itself from terror on its borders, which must be neutralized to ensure the safety of Israeli civilians in their own homes and communities.

Protecting Israel’s Borders and its Civilians

With the IDF’s operations in Gaza, many terror capabilities which directly threaten Israel were revealed—kilometers-long underground terror tunnels, rocket launchers and weapons caches.

Many of these capabilities were established beneath, within, or nearby civilian areas to deter IDF troops from eliminating the threat. These terrorist organizations don’t care for Gazan civilians, and intentionally place them in harm’s way to protect their own interests.

Due to this disregard, the return of hostages abducted during the massacre presented a unique operational challenge: many hostages were held in the heart of civilian areas, and were disguised as Gazans to make it as difficult as possible for the IDF to locate and safely rescue them.

Weapons found in a UN school in Gaza

Furthermore, throughout the war, the terrorist organizations in Gaza have continued to attack Israeli civilians via rocket fire.

These aggressions further exemplify why the IDF must continue to operate to dismantle all terror infrastructure and capabilities. Israel’s right and duty to defend itself is ingrained at the forefront of operations taken in Gaza.

The Current Security Situation in Gaza

Despite the ceasefire agreement signed in October 2025, Hamas and the Islamic Jihad have been restoring their terror capabilities and rebuilding infrastructure intended to threaten Israeli civilians, alongside continued attempts by terrorists to cross the Yellow Line which was established to protect southern Israeli communities.

IDF troops operating in Gaza

Israel has the right to defend itself from terror. The IDF has the right to act to protect its civilians. Israeli civilians deserve to live in safety from hostile terrorist organizations who aim to disrupt their security.

Additional resources:

Examining a Manufactured Narrative
Testimonies from Hamas Terrorists
How Hamas' Arrow Unit Terrorizes Gaza

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Israel operating in Gaza?

Israel has the right and responsibility to defend its civilians from terrorist organizations operating in Gaza and to remove threats aimed directly at Israeli civilians.

What security threats are there in Gaza?

There are underground tunnels, rocket launchers, weapons caches and rocket attacks that endanger Israeli communities.

Why were hostage rescue operations in Gaza particularly difficult?

Many hostages were held within civilian areas and disguised as Gazans, making them difficult to locate and rescue safely.

How do Hamas and the Islamic Jihad violate the ceasefire agreement?

Hamas and the Islamic Jihad continue to rebuild military infrastructure and restore capabilities while terrorists cross the Yellow Line, creating ongoing security concerns.