Analysis: What is Hamas' Special Forces Nukhba unit that invaded Israel on October 7, 2023?.

On October 7, 2023, the Gaza Strip witnessed a significant escalation in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The Nukhba Special Forces, an elite unit of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, launched an attack on Israel. This operation, which Israel has named "Operation Al-Aqsa Flood," marked the onset of the 2023 Israel–Hamas war.
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The Nukhba Special Forces have used Paramotors to invade Israeli territory from Gaza.  (Picture source Video Footage Israeli MoD)

Hamas, founded in 1987 during the First Intifada, is a Palestinian political and militant group. While it is seen by many Palestinians as a resistance movement fighting for their rights, its tactics, including suicide bombings and rocket attacks, have led to its designation as a terrorist organization by several countries, including the United States, Canada, the European Union, and others.

The Nukhba, whose name translates from Arabic as 'elite', are specialized naval commandos. Their expertise lies in underwater operations, with a primary objective to attack on or underwater and infiltrate Israel via its beaches. They employ a range of sophisticated weaponry, including underwater explosives and guided missiles, which notably evade interception by the Iron Dome air defense system. These forces target a variety of Israeli assets, from infrastructure at sea and military and civilian vessels to power stations on the coastline.

The Nukhba, known for its expertise in guerrilla warfare, tunnel operations, and other specialized military tactics, is considered one of the most skilled and dedicated fighting units within the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades. The unit has been involved in several high-profile operations against Israeli targets in the past.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) describes the Nukhba forces as terrorists meticulously chosen by top-tier Hamas operatives. Their operational repertoire is diverse, encompassing ambushes, raids, assaults, and even infiltration through terror tunnels, in addition to their proficiency with anti-tank missiles, rockets, and sniper fire.

The Nukhba Special Forces use tunnels from Gaza to smuggle weapons into Israel. (Video footage Israeli MoD)

When it comes to training and recruitment, the Nukhba are nothing short of rigorous. Prospective members, often between the ages of 18 to 20, undergo intensive land and sea-based training. Many of these recruits hail from the fishing community in the Gaza Strip. Their compensation, starting at US$400–500 a month, is notably higher than the average wage in Gaza, being over five times the norm.

Geographically dispersed across the Gaza Strip, the Nukhba maintain a shroud of secrecy around their operations. However, in the age of digital communication, they have not shied away from using social media for propaganda. They regularly post videos and other content on platforms like the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades' Telegram channel to further their narrative.

The recent actions of the Nukhba have further complicated the intricate web of the Israel-Hamas relationship. As both sides continue their tit-for-tat exchanges, the international community watches closely, with many leaders advocating for an immediate ceasefire and a return to peace dialogues.

Defense News October 2023