Hamas Officials: Advanced Surveillance Devices Discovered in Gaza

JERUSALEM (VINnews) — Hamas officials told the London-based newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat on Tuesday that their security forces in Gaza recently discovered technological devices embedded in the rubble, government buildings, and military structures.

According to the sources, these devices included cameras, advanced listening devices, and technology capable of detecting voices—such as those of known commanders or hostages. The officials stated that searches were expanded throughout the Gaza Strip, and any devices found would be examined to extract information. They also claimed that the military wing leadership had formally informed many families of assassinated individuals that these advanced devices had led to their elimination.

Hamas officials also reported that the organization’s military wing had instructed senior members to cease using mobile phones and go into hiding to avoid surveillance. Since the ceasefire began, many had resumed using their mobile phones, but concerns over Israeli operations led to renewed caution.

The directive to senior Hamas leaders was issued out of fear of Israeli targeting, as well as concerns about harm to the organization’s operatives amid the potential collapse of negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire, which could lead to renewed fighting. The officials emphasized that the order was meant to take effect by the end of the first phase of the agreement, especially on the 40th day of the deal. Despite this, the directive was described as a warning rather than a strict order.

The report also highlighted Hamas’ growing concerns about sudden Israeli assassinations, especially as drone activity in Gaza has resumed in recent days. Armed drones carrying missiles have been spotted flying over various areas of the Gaza Strip, which Hamas claims is a violation of the agreement. According to the ceasefire terms, drone flights are prohibited for 10 hours on days when hostages are not released and for 12 hours on days when they are.

Additionally, Palestinian terror groups in Gaza have heightened their alert levels in anticipation of potential Israeli military actions. They are preparing for scenarios such as strikes on vehicles that participated in recent military parades or direct attacks on senior militants.

According to the report, terror organizations in Gaza are also considering the possibility that Israel might attempt to divide the Gaza Strip by re-establishing control over the Netzarim Corridor, taking full control of Salah al-Din Road, or expanding the buffer zone by at least half a kilometer or more.

In response, Hamas and other terrorist groups have stationed operatives overnight in various locations to maintain readiness for any scenario. Their goal is to prevent Israeli special forces from infiltrating deep into Gaza’s cities and to obstruct military vehicle movements in key areas—similar to past Israeli operations in Gaza and Judea and Samaria.