Share to FacebookShare to XArticle printing is available to subscribers onlyPrint in a simple, ad-free formatSubscribeComments: Zen reading is available to subscribers onlyAd-free and in a comfortable reading formatSubscribeIDF soldiers in Khan Yunis, in July. Credit: IDF Spokesperson's UnitIDF soldiers in Khan Yunis, in July. Credit: IDF Spokesperson's UnitAugust 21, 2025The tunnel used by Hamas operatives who infiltrated an IDF post in Gaza's Khan Yunis on Wednesday was recently discovered by IDF soldiers who have been stationed in the area for weeks and had been damaged during prior military activity, the IDF said.According to a preliminary investigation, approximately three hours passed from the moment Hamas fighters emerged from the tunnel, located about 50 meters from the post, until the end of the incident. The army added that despite extensive intelligence on tunnels in the Gaza Strip, not all have been located, and even when several locations were flagged as suspicious, an ambush was set in the wrong spot.Haaretz PodcastWhat's it like to be an Israeli celebrity who speaks out against the Gaza war?Haaretz PodcastWhat's it like to be an Israeli celebrity who speaks out against the Gaza war?total-- : --time0:00The incident, which began Wednesday morning, involved Palestinian militants infiltrating an IDF outpost manned by a Kfir Brigade unit. Three soldiers were wounded, one seriously and two lightly. According to the army's preliminary investigation, soldiers from the IDF Haruv Reconnaissance Unit stationed at the post heard the squad outside the building and engaged them. Other IDF soldiers inside the building were awakened by gunfire and immediately began fighting the attackers.The investigation found that nine Hamas fighters attacked the soldiers in the outpost area and were killed, eight within two hours and the last shortly afterward. Six additional Hamas operatives were killed nearby, likely providing distant observation. The investigation also noted that the attackers planted explosives and arrived carrying a stretcher, apparently intending to abduct an Israeli soldier."Fighting in Gaza for two years is complex and challenging," an army source said. "The morale and professionalism of the soldiers is very high, but we are dealing with the consequences of two continuous years of combat."An IDF soldier on the border with Gaza in May. Credit: Ilan AssayagAn IDF soldier on the border with Gaza in May. Credit: Ilan Assayag"The Southern Command commander conducted a preliminary investigation and praised the initiative and aggressiveness shown by the commanders and soldiers," The IDF stated. "At the same time, he identified gaps revealed by the investigation from which lessons must be drawn and applied quickly, in light of Hamas's attempts to harm our forces."In the News'All the Wars Made Me Want to Escape. It's Not Weakness, It's Survival''Roald Dahl Probably Wouldn't Like a Jew Like Me. I Still Read Him to My Son'Between China and the World Cup, Trump Still Has a Narrow Window to Attack IranFrantic and Frenzied, Even Netanyahu No Longer Believes He Can Win the ElectionIsraeli Soldier Killed in Southern Lebanon Combat, IDF AnnouncesRemembering and rebuilding two years laterICYMIWhatsApp Co-founder Donates Record-breaking $200 Million to Jerusalem HospitalThe Hasidic Jews Behind Florida's Giant Golden Trump StatueLeaked Video of Arab Lawyer's Violent Arrest Contradicts Israel Police Account'A Slave Economy': Inside Israel's ultra-Orthodox Parallel StateIt Wasn't Just Revenge That Israel Was After in GazaIsraeli Artists Slam Venice Biennale Participation: 'Again, Israel as a Victim'