(i24) The IDF reportedly thwarted a major Hamas attack just hours before a ceasefire took effect that has tentatively ended more than a week of fighting, Hebrew-language broadcaster Channel 12 reported Friday evening.
The outlet added that if the attack had been successful, it could have scuttled the agreement between the two sides, likely leading to prolonged violence.
According to the report, the IDF identified a Hamas terror cell as it made its way through an underground tunnel, apparently with the intention of emerging in Israel and attacking soldiers.
The Air Force carried out a precision strike and eliminated the terrorists, the report said.
Israel’s new underground barrier would have prevented them from crossing and attacking civilians, but would still leave troops vulnerable to attack, according to Channel 12.
The IDF declined to comment on the report, but the TV station noted that the release of the information was approved by IDF censors.
The ceasefire went into effect at 2 a.m. on Friday, hours after the cabinet approved the initiative.
Earlier on Friday, IDF spokesman Hidai Zilberman said the military had sent a message to Hamas that if it carried out a major attack in the hours leading up to the truce, the IDF would respond with a massive airstrike on dozens of targets.
