Al-Qassam Forces Launch Ambush on Two Zionist Army Units in Gaza, Report Severe Casualties

The al-Qassam Brigades, the armed faction of Hamas, reported on Thursday that its fighters engaged an Israeli engineering unit comprised of 12 soldiers. The incident occurred as the soldiers were in the process of executing a demolition operation within a residence near the Fida’i Junction in the al-Tannour neighborhood, located in the eastern part of Rafah city in southern Gaza.

The Brigades reported that its combatants targeted the unit with two types of shells designed to penetrate both personnel and armor, resulting in the detonation of the house and inflicting casualties among the Israeli troops, including fatalities and injuries.

Following the assault, Israeli helicopters were reportedly seen landing to evacuate casualties, both deceased and injured.

The faction reported that its combatants were involved in intense, close-quarters clashes with Israeli forces and military vehicles in the al-Jeneina area, located in eastern Rafah.

In a subsequent operation, as part of the Gates of Hell ambushes, al-Qassam fighters effectively targeted an Israeli infantry unit consisting of seven soldiers with a substantial explosive device near the Omar Ibn Abdulaziz Mosque in the a-Tannour neighborhood.

The organization reported that its combatants observed remains of numerous Israeli soldiers dispersed across the location.

In the aftermath of recent military operations, Israeli authorities quickly enforced a media blackout concerning a security incident in Gaza. The event reportedly involved the collapse of a building, resulting in multiple casualties.

Israeli media earlier reported a “serious security incident” in Rafah, involving the collapse of a building on Israeli soldiers. The incident resulted in multiple injuries, some of which were described as critical. The injured soldiers have been transported to Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon for medical treatment.

Reports have emerged highlighting the challenges faced by the Israeli military in evacuating casualties from the Rafah site amid fierce combat. Helicopters have been deployed to provide fire cover operations, aiming to secure and facilitate the evacuation efforts.

The Hadshot B’zman news outlet has released footage depicting injured Israeli soldiers being transported to hospitals after what it termed a “very serious security incident.” The specifics of the incident are currently under censorship.

A report has disclosed that Hamas is equipped with cameras and explosive devices to confront military forces entering Gaza.

Israeli media characterized the day as “challenging for Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip,” notably due to the Rafah incident occurring simultaneously with another event in Gaza City’s al-Shujaiya neighborhood.

Sources have reported an alleged effort by the Palestinian Resistance to capture an injured Israeli soldier via a tunnel opening located within the ruins of a collapsed building in al-Shujaiya. The operation is occurring under a strict media blackout.

Reports from Israeli media have highlighted the activation of the “Hannibal Directive” in the areas of al-Shujaiya and Rafah. This directive is a controversial Israeli military protocol designed to prevent the capture of soldiers at all costs, potentially involving strikes on their own positions to thwart any capture attempts.

Al Mayadeen’s correspondent has reported that the Israeli military opened fire on its own forces due to concerns that troops ambushed east of Rafah might be captured by the Resistance.