IDF forces took 150 terrorists, mainly members of Hamas, prisoner overnight between Wednesday and Thursday. The POWs were captured by soldiers in the IDF Givati Brigade and handed over to Shin Bet authorities for questioning and debriefing. 70 people are suspected of terror activities.
Most of the captives surrendered to IDF troops after realising their lives would be in immediate danger had they continued to resist. The Times of Israel quoted an IDF official who said the capture brought the total number of prisoners taken during Operation Protective Edge to 178.
In addition, IDF troops killed 20 terrorists overnight in and around Gaza, several of whom were found exiting a tunnel near the Gaza border fence.
Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz posted a photo of the captives seated on their knees, organised in two rows wearing only underwear and shoes. The prisoners were stripped of their clothes in order to ensure they were not carrying weapons.