Al-Qassam Brigades Sniper Operation Targets Israeli Soldier
On December 25, 2024, the Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, released footage showcasing a sniper operation that resulted in the shooting of an Israeli soldier east of Jabalia camp, located in the northern Gaza Strip. The video depicted five Israeli soldiers boarding a Merkava tank when one soldier was struck by a sniper from the Qassam Brigades. The soldier fell to the ground, while his fellow soldiers quickly retreated to seek cover.
The Qassam Brigades have emphasized the effectiveness of their sniper capabilities during the ongoing conflict, particularly highlighting the use of the locally-made Qassam Al-Ghoul rifle, which boasts a lethal range of up to 2,000 meters. According to the group's statistics, as of February 22, they had conducted 57 sniper missions, with 34 utilizing the Al-Ghoul rifle, resulting in numerous casualties among Israeli forces.
The escalation of violence in the region has been marked by intense confrontations, particularly in Jabalia and Beit Lahia camps. Israeli media reported that the fighting in these areas has been described as
Ongoing Conflict in Gaza and Its Implications
The current military operations in the northern Gaza Strip were initiated by the Israeli army on October 6, 2024, under the stated objective of preventing Hamas from regaining strength in the region. Reports indicate that approximately 200 Hamas fighters are entrenched in Jabalia, engaging in fierce combat against Israeli forces. The situation remains volatile, with both sides experiencing significant casualties as the conflict continues to unfold.
As the conflict persists, the international community remains concerned about the humanitarian implications for civilians in Gaza, who are caught in the crossfire of ongoing military operations. The Al-Qassam Brigades' recent sniper activities highlight the evolving tactics employed by Hamas in response to the Israeli military's operations, underscoring the complexities of the situation in the region.
