Hamas saboteur arrested while vandalizing Gaza fence

The Israel Defense Forces observed an alleged Hamas operative attempting to sabotage a security camera near the defunct Karni crossing on the Gaza border under cover of a dense fog early Sunday.

Despite the weather, the soldiers tracked the saboteur’s movements and arrested him after he broke the pole on which the camera rested.

The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit released video footage of the attempted sabotage of the border fence.

“This is yet another terrorist action,” the IDF said, explaining that “Hamas is taking [such actions] in an attempt to infiltrate into Israeli territory and hurt Israel’s citizens. This is part of a broader effort by Hamas to give its terror efforts a civilian cover and turn the border fence area into a battle zone.”

The statement added: “The IDF is determined to carry out its responsibility to defend Israel’s citizens, and won’t allow the security infrastructure that protects them to come to harm.”

The incident comes amid weeks of Hamas-backed protests by Gazans at the border. Protesters, many sent to the demonstrations by Hamas, have decried Israel’s blockade on the Strip and called to erase the border and “liberate Palestine.”

Rioters have burned tires, hurled firebombs and rocks at Israeli troops, flown flaming kites over the border, and repeatedly attempted to sabotage the security fence.

Several dozen Gazans have been killed in the clashes, including by live fire employed by IDF snipers. The use of live fire has drawn criticism internationally.

The army has said its troops only open fire at demonstrators who engage in violence, or who attempt to breach the barrier separating the territory from Israel. Palestinian videos have emerged that purport to show soldiers shooting protesters who did not pose a threat. The army has accused Hamas of fabricating video footage or releasing only partial clips.

The military has said Hamas is using the protests as cover to damage the border fence and prepare to infiltrate and carry out attacks.

Hamas acknowledged that five of its terrorists were among the fatalities after the first Friday demonstration, but has since refrained from acknowledging whether its men are among the dead. Israel has identified other fatalities as members of terrorist groups.