Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) drone footage from February 4, 2026, in Jabalia, northern Gaza, shows armed Hamas operatives loading weapons into a Palestinian Red Crescent ambulance near a hospital before transporting them to a nearby school. The incident highlights continued violations of the ceasefire agreement and underscores long-standing concerns regarding the misuse of humanitarian and medical vehicles by militant groups.  

According to the IDF, this operation is consistent with Hamas’s known practices of exploiting civilian infrastructure for military purposes. Armed operatives have previously been documented operating from hospitals, schools, and other civilian locations, often placing both medical personnel and civilians at risk. Prior reports, including a 2023 Amnesty International study, indicated that up to 85% of Gaza hospitals had been misused by militants, reinforcing concerns about the organization’s disregard for international norms.  

The IDF maintains that such actions endanger innocent civilians and undermine genuine humanitarian efforts in Gaza. The Red Crescent ambulance, intended for medical emergencies, was instead used as a covert vehicle to transport weapons, demonstrating how Hamas systematically integrates military operations with civilian infrastructure.  

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the complexities faced by Israeli forces in distinguishing between legitimate humanitarian activity and covert terrorist operations, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and intelligence in maintaining regional security.