IDF Slowly Regains Control of Communities by Nightfall

By the afternoon and evening of October 7, IDF forces — including Golani Brigade soldiers, Givati units, and armored forces — began systematically clearing Hamas fighters from communities. House-to-house combat continued in Be'eri, Kfar Aza, Nahal Oz, and Sderot throughout the day. Some kibbutzim were not fully secured until October 8 or 9. Israeli officials confirmed the last organized Hamas positions inside Israel were neutralized within approximately 24 hours, though some fighters were found hiding for days afterward.