Gaza: Hamas has claimed responsibility for the deaths of 15 Israeli soldiers in the northern Gaza town of Beit Lahia. According to a statement from the Al-Qassam Brigades, their fighters engaged an Israeli infantry unit at close range during this incident. Additionally, the Al-Qassam Brigades reported that they targeted an Israeli Merkava tank with a Tandem shell near the Safatawi area, west of Jabalia Camp.
In another update, the Al-Quds Brigades, affiliated with the Islamic Jihad Movement, stated that they struck a group of Israeli soldiers and vehicles using 60mm mortar shells near the Jabalia Services Club in central Jabalia Camp.
As of now, the Israeli military has not issued any response to these assertions. Since the onset of significant hostilities on October 7, 2023, Israel has conducted extensive military operations against Hamas in Gaza, resulting in over 44,000 deaths and widespread destruction of infrastructure and housing, according to health authorities in Gaza.
This escalation followed a major attack by Hamas on southern Israel, which led to around 1,200 Israeli fatalities and approximately 250 hostages taken, including women and children.