The IDF's military operation in Jabalya in the northern Gaza Strip came as a surprise to the terrorists in the area, the military said on Monday, reported in the Jerusalem Post.

“The surprise for Hamas was complete. We trapped hundreds of terrorists inside the camp, including senior operatives," the IDF said, adding that the terror group had used the population as human shields for over a week and had shot at the legs of residents who attempted to escape. 

According to the IDF, the remaining terrorists in the northern Gaza Strip had gathered in Jabalya, prompting the military to encircle the area, evacuate the civilian population, isolate the terrorists, and prevent them from escaping. 

Within hours, in a single night, the army surrounded the area.

Three brigades surrounded the camp: the 460th, Givati, and the 401st.  The 460th Brigade, which reached schools and shelters, reported that this approach allowed them to evacuate five thousand residents. By the following day, twenty thousand more had left, and forces said that the residents' "fear barrier was broken."

The IDF stated that fifty thousand residents have left.

Approximately 600 terrorists surrendered, while hundreds of others were eliminated in the refugee camp. 

The Kamal Adwan Hospital, the last location from which Hamas was able to operate in Jabalya, was encircled by the 460th Brigade. This prevented Hamas from regrouping before the encirclement was completed.

Some 60 terrorists surrendered, and 20 were eliminated while attempting to flee the hospital.

Troops from Shayetet 13 entered the hospital and captured an additional 60 terrorists who were hiding in the hospital wards and were using patients as human shields. 

Photo: IDF