How a civilian emergency squad saved community of Ein HaBesor from Hamas attack on Oct 7

A local civilian emergency squad saved the Israeli farming community of Ein HaBesor from falling into the hands of Hamas terrorists during the Oct. 7 invasion of southern Israel in 2023.

At least 16 terrorists from Hamas’ elite Nukhba unit invaded the Gaza border rural community made up of approximately 1,600 inhabitants, after they mistakenly diverted from the original target – an IDF Home Front Command base. Thanks to quick coordination via the WhatsApp mobile app, the well-trained civilian emergency squad quickly stepped in to thwart the Hamas attack in a fierce fight that later became known as the “20-minute battle.”

Despite being outgunned and outnumbered, the local defenders managed to repel the Hamas attackers. The terrorists, armed with RPGs and machine guns, arrived in a Toyota pickup truck and on a motorcycle — vehicles that later became symbols of the assaults on southern Israeli border communities. Two members of the emergency squad were wounded in the fighting, while at least two Hamas operatives were killed and several others likely injured in the exchange of fire.

An Israeli military investigation acknowledged that the Israel Defense Forces were unable to protect the community during the invasion and attack, stating, “The IDF failed to defend Ein HaBesor.”

The IDF also praised the local civilian emergency squad for saving the community.

“The defense mounted by the moshav’s emergency squad and residents repelled the attackers, forced their retreat and prevented far greater harm,” the report stated. Ein HaBesor's security coordinator (Ravshatz), along with his two deputies and the entire emergency squad, fought “efficiently and courageously” and thereby stopped the Hamas attack.

Such clear communication and a quickly coordinated local defense ultimately saved the community of Ein HaBesor from the horror and atrocities that Hamas terrorists inflicted on other Israeli communities.

After being forced out of Ein HaBesor, the Hamas operatives regrouped at a nearby junction and attacked incoming Israeli reinforcements. A combined force of IDF soldiers and police eventually overpowered the terrorists. The IDF has not yet confirmed how many Hamas operatives were killed in the battle outside Ein HaBesor.

The city of Sderot, home to roughly 20,000 residents near the Gaza border, was among the hardest-hit communities on October 7. Approximately 40 Hamas terrorists infiltrated the city, killing 53 Israelis, including 37 civilians. An IDF investigation released in April found that poor communication and inadequate preparedness allowed the attackers to carry out the massacre.

“Sderot is within the operational area of the Northern Brigade. On October 7, no force from the brigade arrived,” the IDF report stated.

“The IDF had misguided concepts and failures over the years that placed the operational end in a situation it couldn’t prevent. The responsibility lies with the Northern Brigade, the Gaza Division, and the Operations Division,“ the report added.

At least 3,000 terrorists from Gaza invaded southern Israel on October 7, 2023. The terrorists were responsible for the deaths of 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, including women, children and elderly Holocaust survivors. In addition, 251 people were kidnapped. After two years and a ceasefire agreement, Hamas has not returned the remaining bodies of hostages who did not survive captivity.