As the new school year begins across Israel on Monday, the IDF commended its troops for the ongoing operations in the Gaza Strip, which have enabled improved security conditions, allowing pupils in southern communities to return to class.
“We are here, covered in dust and powder, after five months of operating in Rafah and Khan Yunis – now the pupils of Israel will wake up, put on a white shirt and go to school with joy,” said the commander of the Golani Brigade on Monday. “If you were looking for a reason why you are here today, here it is. Thanks to your spirit and your path, routine is returning to the people of Israel.”
In northern Gaza, artillery struck observation posts and a site used to fire an anti-tank missile, with no Israeli injuries reported. Troops also dismantled cameras and underground explosive sites near Jabaliya. In the south, additional terrorists and underground facilities were neutralized.
Over the past three months, IDF troops from the Kfir Brigade’s combat team, operating under the command of the 36th Division, have conducted operations targeting Hamas infrastructure in the southern Gaza Strip. The military said the activity focused on expanding and consolidating operational control, eliminating terrorists, and dismantling tunnel networks and weapons caches.
Dozens of terrorists were killed during the operations, according to the IDF, including in close-quarters combat and in coordination with the Israeli Air Force. Some of those killed had taken part in the October 7 attack.
Troops from the Yahalom Unit uncovered and dismantled some 8 kilometers of underground tunnel routes, while the Kfir Brigade located and destroyed Hamas military infrastructure and large stockpiles of weaponry, the army said.
The IDF also reported progress in establishing the Magen Oz corridor, intended to divide eastern and western Khan Yunis. Soldiers operating under the Southern Command are expected to continue efforts to maintain operational control and remove remaining threats.
New school year marks subtle return to normalcy
According to the Education Ministry, more than 2.5 million children began the 2025-2026 school year on Monday.
In the Gaza border area, 23,700 students are beginning the school year. Thanks to demographic growth in the Sderot region and the regional councils of Hof Ashkelon, Shaar Hanegev, Eshkol, and Sdot Hanegev, the number of students has increased by 2,000 compared to the number in schools as of October 7, 2023.
For hundreds of students who were forced to evacuate their homes on October 7, this marks their first return to school in the area.