Israel on High Alert as IDF Warns of Hamas Disruption to Gaza Aid Operations

As fighting deepens in Gaza and the humanitarian aid distribution program led by an American company continues with notable success, Israeli security forces are preparing for a set of extreme and potentially volatile scenarios in the southern region of the Strip.

According to a report by Walla News, the IDF's Southern Command is closely monitoring developments around the aid delivery operation and has identified several high-risk contingencies. One of the primary concerns is that as time progresses, increasing numbers of Gazan civilians are expected to move southward in hopes of receiving food and assistance. This growing movement toward distribution centers raises the potential for both logistical strain and targeted violence.

Military intelligence assessments suggest that Hamas may attempt to sabotage the humanitarian effort by launching attacks on food distribution points. Officials believe such operations could be carried out by individuals not formally identified with the organization, allowing Hamas plausible deniability while still disrupting the effort. In response, the IDF has deployed reserve forces in the vicinity of these distribution hubs, aiming to neutralize threats swiftly and prevent chaos.

Another more extreme and alarming scenario involves Hamas inciting mass unrest within Gaza, particularly in central or southern refugee camps, with the intent of directing large civilian crowds to storm the Israeli border. To address this risk, the military has assigned substantial resources to continuous intelligence surveillance. Clear and strict rules of engagement have also been reiterated to senior field commanders, ensuring they are equipped to respond effectively while minimizing unintended civilian harm.

This state of high alert comes as the aid mechanism, largely credited to a U.S.-based company, continues to function with growing efficiency. Despite its success, the operation itself has become a flashpoint, with Hamas reportedly viewing the aid's bypass of their control as a threat to their grip on power.

The IDF stresses that it will continue to secure distribution zones, support humanitarian efforts, and counter any attempts, whether by Hamas or other actors, to destabilize the operation or exploit civilian suffering for strategic gain.