The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), in response to Hamas attacks in Gaza, launched airstrikes targeting the Palestinian armed group’s elite unit, the Nukhba force, on Thursday (October 12). Israel is determined to retaliate against Hamas for a severe attack, likened to the Holocaust, and has labelled the ongoing escalation as a “war,” which has now entered its 7th day. The IDF is leading this offensive, focusing specifically on Hamas’ elite Nukhba force, which was believed to be responsible for a bloody assault reported over the weekend, reported Newsweek.

Overnight (Thursday), the IAF conducted a wave of strikes targeting the Nukhba elite forces of the Hamas terrorist organization, by striking operational command centers used by operatives who infiltrated the communities surrounding the Gaza Strip last Saturday.

— Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) October 12, 2023

What is the Nukhba Force?

Derived from the Arabic term "Al-Nukhba," meaning "elite," this group stands as the foremost combat unit within the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, which is Hamas’ military division.

The Nukhba force is an elite unit within Hamas, which includes operatives chosen by senior Hamas leaders. They are assigned tasks such as ambushes, raids, tunnel infiltrations into Israel, and engaging in attacks using anti-tank missiles, rockets, and sniper rifles. Additionally, these commandos are responsible for providing security to the senior leadership of Hamas.

For LIVE updates on the Israel-Hamas war, check here.

Members of Al-Nukhba undergo intense training in various skills, including handling weapons, and explosives, scuba diving, and hand-to-hand combat. In the field, they are equipped with advanced assault rifles, sniper rifles and machine guns. They also have access to rocket-propelled grenades and anti-tank missiles, reports India Today.

The Al-Nukhba units played a significant role in the 2014 Gaza War, carrying out numerous attacks against Israeli forces. Some members lost their lives during Operation Protective Edge, initiated by Israel in 2014.

In recent years, the Al-Nukhba forces have increased in number and enhanced their capabilities, becoming a crucial part of Hamas’ military strength. It's worth noting that Hamas faced significant losses among its Al-Nukhba fighters due to conflicts with ISIS, an India Today report mentioned.

According to Jonathan Conricus, a spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Hamas has constructed a network of tunnels beneath the ground, connecting Gaza City with different areas in the Gaza Strip, since they took control of the region in 2007. These tunnels are currently being used by Hamas members, including the Nukhba force, to launch attacks.

The IDF is now targeting these tunnels and other Hamas facilities where top Hamas leaders are believed to be located, according to reports.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed unwavering American support for Israel on Thursday, even as Israel intensified its military attacks on the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip through airstrikes and prepared for a potential ground invasion, according to a report by PBS. With supplies running low, Palestinians desperately tried to stock up on essentials like bread and groceries. Israel announced a blockade on Gaza, allowing no supplies in until around 150 hostages taken by Hamas during a deadly weekend incursion were released, the news agency added.

International aid organisations sounded alarms about a deepening humanitarian crisis as Israel stopped the delivery of vital necessities, including food, water, fuel, and electricity, to Gaza’s 2.3 million residents. Entry of supplies from Egypt was also blocked. The ongoing conflict has tragically claimed the lives of at least 2,700 people on both sides.

(Edited by : Ayushi Agarwal)