Hamas Claims the Death of Three Israeli Soldiers in Northern Gaza
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Gaza, Dec 23 (NationPress) The armed wing of Hamas, known as the Al-Qassam Brigades, reported on Monday that its combatants have killed three Israeli soldiers and have 'rescued' Palestinians who were held by Israeli forces in a house situated in Beit Lahia, in the northern region of the Gaza Strip.
In their statement, the Al-Qassam Brigades claimed that their members 'stabbed and killed three Israeli soldiers who were engaged in a mission to guard a structure.' Furthermore, they indicated that Hamas fighters also confiscated the soldiers' weapons and liberated several Palestinians who were held captive.
The Israeli military has not provided an immediate response, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
According to Israel's state-run Kan TV, three soldiers and officers from the Kfir Brigade were killed due to the explosion of a device targeting a military unit in northern Gaza.
Earlier, the media office operated by Hamas stated that over 50 Palestinians had been killed or injured during an Israeli military operation in the Nuseirat refugee camp located in the central Gaza Strip.
The office characterized the actions of the Israeli army as a 'horrific, brutal crime,' asserting that the camp was invaded by over 17 tanks, bulldozers, military vehicles, and numerous heavily armed soldiers, with drone support.
The statement noted that all casualties were civilians, comprising more than half women and children. It further reported the destruction of over 20 housing units, alongside extensive damage caused by shelling and explosions.
The Gaza government has held both the Israeli military and the United States administration accountable for the ongoing actions, calling on the international community to intervene, halt the 'blatant crimes,' and guarantee the protection of civilians and infrastructure.
Israel initiated a significant military operation against Hamas in Gaza on October 7, 2023, following a cross-border incursion by the Islamist group into southern Israel.
Israeli officials claim that the Hamas attack resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 individuals and involved the kidnapping of hostages taken back to Gaza.
In contrast, Palestinian health authorities report that the subsequent Israeli offensive has led to the deaths of more than 45,000 Palestinians, resulting in widespread devastation of homes and infrastructure.
