Hamas rule is ‘disintegrating,’ says IDF chief, as leaked footage shows surrender of apparent Hamas terrorists

IDF operations against Hamas in the Gaza Strip continue as the terror group shows signs of losing control. 

Over the past few days, multiple photos and videos have leaked showing Hamas members surrendering to IDF troops. 

In one video, a man, clad only in underwear, is seen carrying an AK-47 rifle above his head, with the ammunition clip removed, and laying it down in a pile of weapons next to an Israeli tank. 

Captured terrorists are often instructed to strip, to ensure they do not have suicide vests or hidden weapons. 

IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, speaking at a Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony with Nahal Brigade troops said they were seeing the “disintegration of the system.” 

“I see the achievements every day. We are seeing every day more and more terror operatives killed, more and more terror operatives wounded, and in recent days we’re seeing terrorists surrendering — a sign of the disintegration of the system, a sign that we need to push harder,” Halevi said. 

The social media channel Gaza Report, which has posted regular updates about activity in the Gaza Strip, reported Saturday that “most of the northern part of Jabalia Refugee Camp fell to the Israelis.” The channel also reported that many residents had begun to evacuate.

An important development of the state of the battlefield in northern Gaza:
After a major offensive in the past 36 hours, most of the northern part of Jabalia Refugee Camp fell to the Israelis and the defenses collapse, and residents begin to evacuate. https://t.co/lO3AFpd17T

— Gaza Report - اخبار غزة (@gaza_report) December 9, 2023

The IDF confirmed the authenticity of earlier leaked videos and photos showing Palestinian men in underwear being watched by IDF soldiers, which claimed to depict Hamas members surrendering. 

On Saturday, IDF spokesman Brig.-Gen. Daniel Hagari said that many Hamas fighters had surrendered. 

“In Shejaiya and Jabaliya, terrorists who surrendered handed over weapons and equipment,” Hagari said. 

“Investigations of the surrendered terrorists and commanders in the area reveal that the operatives on the ground are in a difficult situation and the Hamas leadership, led by Yahya Sinwar, denies the reality despite being updated on the details,” Hagari stated. 

Hagari said this disconnect by Hamas leadership is troubling for the terrorists fighting the IDF. 

“The operatives complain that the Hamas leadership is disconnected from the difficult situation they face on the ground. There is also a growing sense that the underground Hamas leadership does not care about the civilian population above ground. This is very concerning for Hamas’ military operatives.” 

Hagari also confirmed that one of the captured soldiers from the Oct. 7 invasion, Sahar Baruch, had been killed by Hamas terrorists, but did not give any further details. 

In a report on Saturday, state broadcaster Kan 11 news reported that Sinwar had fled the northern Gaza Strip in a humanitarian convoy at the beginning of the war. 

Israeli officials believe Sinwar is hiding in the tunnel system under Khan Younis.