Battle of Ofakim — Armed Civilians Repel Hamas Infiltrators

A force of approximately 100 Hamas fighters reached the town of Ofakim (~30,000 residents), ~25 km from Gaza, deeper than any other infiltration. In an unusual reversal, armed civilian security teams and off-duty soldiers organized a defense that contained Hamas fighters for hours until IDF reinforcements arrived. 52 people were killed in Ofakim — mostly police officers and first responders who arrived early. The battle lasted approximately 5 hours before IDF secured the town. Ofakim became a symbol of civilian resistance.