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The Zana ambush, referred to as the Ambush of the Righteous by Hamas, was an ambush carried out on 6 April 2024 by the Qassam Brigades against Israel Defense Forces (IDF) personnel and vehicles in the Gaza Strip. According to the IDF, four Israeli soldiers were killed along with Qassam Brigades fighters from a second cell after the initial group of militants retreated.^[1]

In February, the IDF claimed that it had dismantled Hamas's battalions in Khan Yunis. To give credence to that claim, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant visited the city.^[3] However, Palestinian militants continued attacks on Israeli forces throughout February and March.

The Qassam brigades asserted that Al Zana, the ambush location, was an area that Israel claimed to have subdued and pacified.^{[citation needed]}

On April 9, 2024, the Qassam Brigades published an 8-minute video showing preparation and execution of the ambush.^[4]

The Qassam Brigades had planted IEDs and booby traps before recording the Israeli soldiers as they advanced towards the ambush.

As the Israeli patrol proceeded, Palestinian militants opened fire. Ido Baruch, the patrol commander, was killed. The remaining Israeli soldiers attempted to flee, with one sustaining injuries and attempting to return fire before he was killed. A third soldier, who had sought shelter behind a tank, was targeted by a sniper and killed.

The remaining soldiers called for reinforcements, and the militants retreated. A Merkava arrived to rescue the remaining soldiers. As it passed one of the buildings, a militant fired an Al-Yassin 105 shell, failing to disable the tank and causing no injuries.^[1] Two more tanks arrived, and were targeted. As more Israeli reinforcements arrived, the outnumbered militants retreated. The IDF chose not to pursue. The IDF stated that militants from a second cell were killed by tank fire shortly thereafter.^[1]