This helmet camera footage, provided by the IDF, shows members of their 401st Division clearing a building. A Hamas militant surprises them and is shot at close range. Viewer discretion is advised.

The IDF are clearing rooms floor-by-floor, proceeding uneventfully until a hidden Hamas fighter tosses a grenade at them at 0:26. The cameraman backs off and the squad engage the militant with small arms fire until 0:40, when a second grenade goes off.

After more inconclusive shooting, the squad is shown at 1:03, preparing to descend the stairwell. It is unclear whether they thought they’d killed the Hamas fighter or if they planned to take him out through other means. The latter is fairly likely; the IDF has historically had no qualms in taking out entire rooms held by militants rather than risk their soldiers for single kills. However, at 01:16, the Hamas gunman appears to have realized this, choosing the form of his destroyer as he recites the Takbir and charges. As he goes down the stairwell, his end rushes up to meet him at around 3,000 feet per second, and he falls down the stairs like the rest of the rubble.

About the Author

Cole Simms

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.

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