Hamas Fighters Surrendering Weapons in Underwear... "More Surrendering Every Day"

Israeli Chief of Staff: "A Signal That We Must Push Forward"
IDF Raises Israeli Flag in Palestinian Square

A Hamas militant, who was held by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in his underwear, was captured on video laying down his lethal weapon.

On the 9th (local time), the local daily Times of Israel (TOI) released footage showing dozens of men wearing only underwear bottoms lined up in front of an IDF tank that entered northern Gaza Strip on the 7th.

Hamas fighter laying down rifle after surrendering
[Photo by X @manniefabian]

When the Israeli side shouted something through a megaphone, one man among the captives slowly walked forward holding an assault rifle and a magazine above his head. He placed his weapon next to another rifle already on the ground, raised both hands again, and returned to his original position.

Earlier, when human rights controversies arose over videos and photos showing men in underwear kneeling and sitting, the IDF dismissed the claims, stating that these were not civilians but captured militants from the Palestinian armed faction Hamas.

TOI reported regarding this footage, "Recently, images of dozens of men detained circulated on social media," adding, "The IDF explained that they are interrogating everyone in the area who surrendered after the battle."

Meanwhile, the IDF revealed footage of raising the Israeli flag at the 'Palestinian Square' in Gaza Strip, which they recently occupied. This location was previously where Hamas paraded some hostages designated for release during the ceasefire period. After taking control of this area, the IDF also held a candle-lighting ceremony to mark the Jewish winter holiday Hanukkah.

The IDF stated that amid ongoing clashes throughout Gaza Strip, the number of Hamas militants surrendering is gradually increasing.

On the third day of Hanukkah, IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi attended a candle-lighting event held in southern Gaza Strip and emphasized, "There are achievements every day," adding, "Recently, we have been seeing more and more terrorists surrender."

Chief of Staff Halevi said, "This is a sign that the system is collapsing and a signal that we need to push harder."

Since the outbreak of war between Israel and the Palestinian armed faction Hamas on October 7, Israel has continued its attacks on Gaza Strip. The Israeli government has forecasted that the war could last for the next two months and stated that attempts will be made during that period to release more hostages.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.