Hamas Reports Fatalities Among Israeli Soldiers in Rafah
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Synopsis
On April 14, Hamas's Al-Qassam Brigades claimed responsibility for killing and injuring Israeli soldiers in Rafah, Gaza. They detonated an explosive-laden house targeting an Israeli unit. The Israeli army confirmed ongoing operations in northern Gaza, revealing the discovery of weapons and a military drone strike against individuals planting explosives.
Key Takeaways
- Hamas claims it has killed and wounded Israeli soldiers in Rafah.
- The attack targeted an Israeli special forces unit.
- Israeli army's 252nd Division is conducting operations in northern Gaza.
- Weapons cache discovered including improvised explosive devices.
- Hamas is open to a ceasefire proposal that ensures Palestinian rights.
Gaza, April 14 (NationPress) The Al-Qassam Brigades, the military division of Hamas, asserted that its members have killed and injured multiple Israeli soldiers in Rafah, located in the southern region of the Gaza Strip.
In an official statement, Al-Qassam revealed that its fighters triggered an explosion at a house filled with explosives, aiming specifically at an Israeli special forces unit that had infiltrated the area of Abu al-Rus, situated to the east of Rafah.
The number of casualties has not been disclosed by the brigades, and there has been no response from the Israeli army regarding this assertion, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Israeli army, Avichay Adraee, stated that the army's 252nd Division is actively conducting operations in northern Gaza.
According to Adraee, the forces successfully destroyed an underground tunnel measuring about 1.2 kilometers in length and 20 meters in depth. Additionally, a weapons cache was discovered near the tunnel, containing around 20 improvised explosive devices, an anti-tank missile launcher, and other military equipment.
He further noted that during the operation, a military drone observed individuals planting an explosive device close to Israeli forces. The Air Force responded with an airstrike, reportedly eliminating those individuals.
Earlier on Saturday, Hamas expressed optimism regarding any ceasefire proposal related to Gaza that ensures a lasting truce and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.
In a statement, Hamas indicated that such a proposal should also bring an end to the Palestinian people's suffering and include a substantial prisoner exchange agreement.
A delegation from Hamas has traveled to Cairo on Saturday upon Egypt's invitation. While in Cairo, they are anticipated to meet with mediators from Qatar and Egypt as part of ongoing negotiations aimed at reaching an agreement to cease Israeli attacks in Gaza.
