Hannibal protocol back in use amid resistance operations in Gaza

Despite censorship directives on reporting military casualties, Israeli media briefly acknowledged a serious security incident involving Israeli soldiers in eastern Gaza, reporting only that several soldiers had been wounded and evacuated to hospitals by multiple helicopters.

Shortly after the initial reports, the Hebrew website Hadshot Bezman released further details, revealing that Palestinian resistance fighters had attempted to capture an Israeli soldier, similar to recent incidents. However, with the activation of the Hannibal Protocol, the soldier was deliberately killed by Israeli forces to avoid his capture.

The outlet confirmed that two Israeli soldiers were killed in this operation, and one military vehicle was still burning at the scene. Other Hebrew sources reported only a single fatality, claiming that the soldier allegedly took his own life upon realizing he was about to be captured by resistance fighters.

The Hannibal Protocol is a controversial directive within the Israeli military, allowing Israeli forces to target their own soldiers if there is a risk of them being captured by Palestinian resistance. This policy gained renewed attention after October 7, 2023, when Hamas captured numerous Israeli soldiers.

Dismissed Defense Minister Yoav Gallant previously admitted that the Hannibal Protocol had been applied in certain areas but not others, leading to significant confusion within Israeli ranks.

Now, amid increased efforts by Palestinian resistance to capture more Israeli soldiers, it appears the protocol is being reactivated. Just last week, a similar case occurred where an Israeli soldier was killed under the Hannibal Protocol rather than risk his capture.

Israeli media also reported that today’s incident involved an armed group emerging from a tunnel in eastern Gaza, directly attacking Israeli forces in an attempt to capture a soldier. However, the soldier’s body was later found.

According to reports, the Israeli forces fell into a meticulously prepared ambush, leading to fierce clashes and resulting in multiple casualties and injuries among Israeli troops.

Israel Hayom previously reported that Israeli military assessments anticipate Hamas will intensify efforts to capture more Israeli soldiers in Gaza in the coming days.