Hamas Shadow Unit Seen Again in Gaza

Israeli sources today (Monday) announced the reappearance of Hamas’s mysterious “Shadow Unit” forces in the Gaza Strip, a secret unit that was responsible for protecting Israeli prisoners and that the Israeli army has never been able to reach despite two years of efforts.

News ID: 86791

Date: 13 October 2025 - 15:40

TEHRAN (Defapress) - Hamas’ “Shadow Unit,” a special and secret unit of the Al-Qassam Brigades, was seen again today (Monday) during an Israeli prisoner exchange in the Gaza Strip.

According to Israeli sources, elements of this unit accompanied the released prisoners and played a key role in ensuring their security and managing their transfer to the Red Cross.

The Shadow Unit is a group of elite and top-secret Hamas forces that were responsible for protecting Israeli prisoners throughout the war, and the Israeli army could not find any trace of them in the besieged Gaza area.

Al Jazeera writes about these forces that the Shadow unit has a high level of military and psychological training and has exceptional ability in stealth and movement.

According to the network, however, many details about the activities of this unit are not known, because the Qassam Brigades are very protective of information about it due to the sensitivity of its missions.

According to reports, this unit has previously been responsible for protecting Israeli prisoners and maintaining their security in secret locations inside the besieged Gaza Strip during past wars, especially the recent one.

The unit's tactics have included moving Israeli prisoners between different locations, using underground hideouts and abandoned buildings, and implementing advanced security measures.