"Our Hands are Tied": IDF Soldiers Reveal Hamas is Rebuilding as They Wait For U.S. Approval 

The situation along the Gaza border has reached a boiling point as Israeli reserve soldiers stationed at the Yellow Line report a disturbing resurgence of Hamas activity. Despite identifying terrorists clearly, troops claim they are frequently denied permission to open fire, leading to a sense of deep frustration and a feeling that control of the sector has been handed over to the United States. While the military remains the only force capable of fully demilitarizing the strip, current political constraints have left many units feeling like their hands are tied.

A reserve Lieutenant Colonel who recently held the line described the daily reality as one filled with constant violations. He noted that there are dozens of breaches along the border every day, with three or four different incidents occurring in every battalion sector. He explained that Hamas is organizing, laying explosives, and restoring infrastructure right on the Yellow Line. The officer stated that while they collect intelligence and pass it to higher commands, they do not fire into the strip unless there is a specific, identified suspect and direct approval from high level commanders. He added that the understanding within the army is that the control over the strip has been expropriated and transferred to the United States, and without approval from the American headquarters, nothing can be done.

This lack of certainty has led to tragic consequences on the ground. Last Friday, a force shelled a school in the Daraj Tuffah neighborhood of Gaza City after identifying what they believed were suspicious observers. However, an initial investigation revealed that the required approval from the Southern Command general or the Chief of Staff was not obtained for this sensitive site. The building caught fire, and at least three Gazan children were killed. The IDF spokesperson expressed regret over the harm to non combatants and confirmed the event is under investigation, but the incident highlights the confusion regarding current rules of engagement.

Meanwhile, Hamas terrorists are showing no intention of disarming. High ranking leaders remain in tunnels, but lower level members are operating openly in civilian clothing. They are setting up checkpoints from Jabalia to Rafah and collecting hundreds of thousands of shekels daily by taxing the massive influx of humanitarian aid. With 600 to 800 trucks entering Gaza every day, Hamas has found a way to replenish its treasury.

Soldiers feel that a golden opportunity for a political and military shift is being missed. One reserve sergeant major expressed that while Hamas was nearly defeated, the lack of a clear political push for full demilitarization is allowing the group to recover. He warned that if the current status quo continues, the achievements made over 300 days of war will be eroded. Currently, the security establishment is on hold, waiting for the results of the upcoming meeting between Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump to determine if Israel will return to full scale combat or continue in this state of uncertainty. While the search for the final remains of fallen soldier Ran Gvili is delayed by Hamas, the terror group continues to prepare for the next round of fighting.