Gaza, June 2025 – Israeli reservist soldiers have reported a significant increase in Hamas's use of drones in the Gaza Strip, both for intelligence gathering and direct attacks against Israeli troops. The military confirmed on Thursday that one soldier was moderately wounded and another lightly wounded after a drone attack in northern Gaza, where an explosive device was dropped from the air onto a unit near buildings.
“This is a threat that has recently reemerged. It was common at the start of the war, disappeared for a while, and now it’s back,” said a reservist.
Soldiers believe Hamas is conducting constant surveillance using drones, binoculars, and remote observation posts. Some suspect these drones may have been smuggled in during the recent ceasefire, which allowed hundreds of humanitarian trucks into Gaza daily, or possibly through aerial smuggling.
“If they can smuggle in phones, drugs, and cigarettes, why not drones?” one reservist stated.
An officer also voiced frustration over the apparent lack of sustained military pressure on Hamas:
“The fact that they’re using drones again shows they feel comfortable operating. They’re not under continuous pressure. That’s not a good sign.”
Criticism of IDF Drone Operations
In addition to concerns about Hamas's capabilities, some reservists have criticized the IDF’s own drone operations. In certain areas, troops have had to rely on improvised solutions, with drones sometimes funded through private donations.
The Ministry of Defense and the Ground Forces Command responded that an accelerated procurement program is underway to acquire various types of drones for different missions. However, they acknowledged that the process is delayed due to global demand and international competition in the arms industry.
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