Amir Bohbot

"We were told they managed to smuggle drones during the ceasefire, when 600 trucks a day were coming in," a reservist in Gaza said.

During the incident in which Farkas was killed, another reservist in the same battalion and brigade was severely wounded. 

The military has allocated intelligence resources and reserve forces, and clarified open-fire orders for senior IDF commanders on the ground.

Security sources stressed that the coming days are critical for the prospects of progress in a deal, and that mediators have a crucial role.

The IDF has introduced a new tactic involving old armored personnel carriers (APCs) loaded with tons of explosives and operated remotely.

These clans act like armed militias, forcibly seizing food, looting warehouses, and shooting to protect their members from Hamas security forces.

According to testimonies from soldiers in the field, Thursday night was one of the most intense since the beginning of the operation.

IDF's Southern Command chief appoints a senior officer to lead the investigation into the airstrike that left nine Palestinian children dead.

Hamas is struggling to govern Gaza, the IDF added, struggling to pay its terrorists' salaries.

Zamir's comments come following a report alleging that Netanyahu's pick for Shin Bet chief expressed opposition to hostage deals.