IDF Strikes Hamas Weapons Caches Hidden in Gaza Mosques

Israeli military forces and the Shin Bet security service carried out targeted strikes in the Shati and Deir al-Balah areas of Gaza, destroying two weapons storage facilities operated by Hamas. The caches contained dozens of Kalashnikov rifles, ammunition magazines, and additional military equipment.

According to a joint statement from the IDF and Shin Bet spokespersons, the weapons were stored inside two mosques in northern Gaza that had been actively used as shelters and operational bases by Hamas operatives.

Prior to conducting the strikes, Israeli forces issued advance warnings to the local population to minimize the risk of civilian casualties. The military also employed precision munitions and conducted aerial surveillance before the operations.

The incident represents another example of what Israeli officials describe as Hamas's systematic use of civilian infrastructure, including religious sites, in violation of international law. The weapons were positioned to support terrorist operations against IDF forces operating in the Yellow Line corridor and against Israeli civilians.

IDF forces under Southern Command remain deployed throughout the area in accordance with ceasefire arrangements and continue operations to eliminate immediate threats.

The practice of concealing weapons in mosques and religious institutions is not new. Recently in Jerusalem, security forces uncovered a dangerous arsenal of 36 grenades, Kalashnikov rifles, and explosives hidden in a residential building, including in children's rooms. Throughout the war, numerous additional weapons caches have been discovered hidden inside mosques.