CENTRAL GAZA — Since late October, the eastern Gaza border with Israel has been its most tense since the end of the November 2012 war. After Israel announced the discovery of a tunnel east of Khan Younis into Israel in early October, a number of Palestinians have been killed in related clashes, and a few Israelis wounded. Amid this heated atmosphere, attention is being drawn to the Mourabitoun units affiliated with the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’s military wing, deployed along the border, from Rafah to Beit Hanoun.

It was not easy for Al-Monitor to accompany the Mourabitoun at a time when Palestinians in Gaza are experiencing such difficult times, but after unremitting efforts, permission was granted to follow an official nicknamed Abu Mujahid in eastern Gaza on a recent night as Israeli aircraft hovered overhead. During the field tour, Abu Mujahid confirmed that the Mourabitoun’s task is to monitor and guard Palestinian areas at risk of Israeli invasion. He also said that the unit works primarily at night, usually in places close to the contact lines with the Israeli army.

Logistical preparations

Al-Qassam Brigades spokesman Abu Obeida said that the Mourabitoun’s task is to protect Gaza’s entry points around the clock. Its members have been instructed to never leave their stations or the border gaps they monitor. During the field visit with Hamas fighters, Al-Monitor noticed that the various Mourabitoun groups are similarly armed and equipped. Each group possesses roadside bombs and ground-embedded explosives. Some fighters remain in fixed positions, while others move around and are used as needed. Each Mourabitoun member carries various kinds of projectiles on his body.