Daily Recap: Hamas - Israel War November 1st, 2023 - Day 26

Additional information and thoughts from Lt. Col. Richard Hecht, the IDF’s International Spokesperson, is available in his Substack newsletter here.

Key Links

• Morning press briefing by IDF Spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari (Hebrew, English Subtitles)
• Footage of IDF troops in Gaza (Video)
• Footage of Israeli Navy missile boats arriving in the Red Sea (Video, Photos)
• Infographics explaining the different types of Hamas rockets being fired at Israeli civilians (Twitter)

We eliminated the Commander of the Jabaliya Battalion, Ibrahim Biari…He was killed while situating himself inside the Jabaliya Camp - with dozens of additional terrorists around him… The strike on the compound additionally caused the collapse of the underground military infrastructure, including terror tunnels under the camp, which further caused the collapse of additional structures. These once again demonstrate how murderous terrorists use civilians as a ‘human shield’, civilians whom we have called upon to evacuate for their own safety.” 

• Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the IDF Spokesperson, Excerpt from morning briefing

Arena Overview

Southern Israel

Overnight, as part of the IDF’s efforts to eliminate Hamas, IDF soldiers intensified the

IDF troops are continuing ground activities in the Gaza Strip in a joint multi-branch effort of ground, air and naval forces. IDF fighter jets, helicopters, UAVs, naval vessels and artillery are assisting the ground forces by directing and conducting simultaneous air strikes according to the operational need.

During these strikes, dozens of Hamas terror targets were struck, including observation posts, anti-tank missile squads and launch posts, naval vessels and military posts. Furthermore, terrorists were killed, infiltrations into Israel were prevented and terror activities were thwarted. To date, the IDF has struck over 11,000 targets.

Last night intense battles took place in northern Gaza between IDF forces and Hamas terrorists. During one of the battles our forces came under fire from a multi-story civilian building. This building is located near a school, medical center and government offices. Our forces responded by calling in air support and succeeded in eliminating the threat.

Yesterday, the IDF struck Ibrahim Biari, the Commander of Hamas’ Central Jabalia Battalion, responsible for deploying terrorists in the October 7th attack and all military activities in northern Gaza since the war started. Many other terrorists with him were also killed, and the compound he was operating was destroyed. During the strike, additional buildings collapsed due to subterranean infrastructure in the area. More on this is available in Lt. Col. Richard Hecht’s substack post.

Northern Arena

A terrorist cell attempted to launch anti-tank missiles from Lebanon toward Israeli territory near Zar'it. An IDF tank returned fire and struck the cell.

Terrorists also opened fire toward Israeli territory in the Yiftah area. No injuries were reported. The IDF responded with fire against the source of the attack. 

Additional Arenas

Overnight, the IDF intercepted an aerial threat in the Red Sea region, south of Eilat. The aircraft never entered Israeli airspace.

To date,  the families of 326 fallen soldiers have been notified that their loved ones fell in battle. In addition, families of 240 hostages have been notified as well.