Israeli Unit in Women’s Disguise? What Happened in Khan Younis

19th May 2025

2 minutes read

Israeli Unit in Women’s Disguise? What Happened in Khan Younis

The Israeli army has denied conducting a special operation in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, aimed at reaching hostages in a dawn mission today.

However, the military did not comment on Palestinian reports claiming that an Israeli special unit dressed in women’s clothing infiltrated Khan Younis to assassinate a resistance leader.

In a brief statement, the Israeli army said: “The IDF is conducting Operation Gideon’s Chariots throughout the Gaza Strip. Regarding media reports, there has been no change in the operational situation.”

This was in reference to reports by non-Israeli media about an alleged failed attempt to rescue Israeli hostages in Khan Younis.

Israel’s public broadcaster also confirmed: “There was no hostage rescue operation this morning.”

The denial comes as Israel continues to intensify its military operations in Gaza, amid ongoing expectations surrounding ceasefire talks and a potential prisoner exchange deal with Hamas.

A secret mission under female disguise?

According to local Palestinian sources, an Israeli special unit wearing women’s clothing infiltrated Khan Younis and killed Ahmad Sarhan, a leader in the Resistance Committees.

They added that Sarhan’s wife and children were arrested, and that the operation took place under heavy military air cover.

Israeli military radio correspondent Dorón Kadosh commented: “I find it unlikely that a Mista’arvim unit would be deployed under such high risk merely to eliminate a resistance figure and arrest his family.”

He continued: “If his location was known and they wanted to kill him, an airstrike would likely have been simpler.”

And added: “It’s reasonable to assume that if this operation really happened, its goal may have been to capture the individual alive for interrogation in Israel. Perhaps the mission got complicated and didn’t go as planned.”

Israel Announces Entry of Humanitarian Aid into Gaza

The Israeli army has announced the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, for the first time since early March.

The decision comes after the Israeli Security Cabinet gave its approval late last night.

The Israeli government coordinator for activities in the Palestinian territories (COGAT) said: “Nine trucks carrying humanitarian aid, including baby food, will enter Gaza through Israeli territory in the coming hours.”

Israeli army radio reported: “Additional aid trucks are expected to arrive later today, though a final agreement has not yet been reached.”

It added: “The trucks will enter Gaza as before, delivering their cargo to warehouses operated by international organizations, which will handle distribution to civilians.”

And stated: “According to the Prime Minister’s instructions, the Israeli army will attempt to prevent Hamas from seizing the aid — however, defense sources admit: there is no real way to ensure this. We cannot guarantee that the aid won’t reach Hamas or be looted as is currently happening.”