In a set of exclusive scenes broadcast by Al Jazeera, the Al-Qassam Brigades—the military wing of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas)—conducted a devastating ambush against an Israeli force at the Nabulsi Junction, southwest of Gaza City. The meticulously executed operation involved monitoring the movements and positions of Israeli occupation forces, followed by setting up a minefield and planting explosive devices. After an Israeli troop carrier and multiple military vehicles arrived, the minefield was detonated, followed by sustained bombardment of the area with heavy-caliber mortar shells.
The aftermath saw Israeli vehicles and jeeps advancing under smoke curtains to facilitate the evacuation of the dead and wounded. Helicopters were seen landing to aid in the evacuation efforts. Al-Qassam spokesman Abu Ubaida confirmed that their attacks on Israeli forces will persist. The incidents at Nabulsi Junction and the subsequent ambush in the Saudi neighborhood of Tal Al-Sultan, west of Rafah, led to significant casualties, including the destruction of an Israeli 'Nimr' troop carrier. The Israeli occupation army acknowledged the scale of the losses.
In an incident on the same day, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that eight Israeli soldiers were killed in southern Gaza, marking one of the deadliest confrontations since October 7. The IDF is investigating the circumstances surrounding the losses. The Al-Qassam Brigades claimed responsibility for a complex ambush on enemy vehicles in Tal al-Sultan, attacking a military excavator and an armored personnel carrier.
Tal al-Sultan has experienced intense combat, with Hamas fighters attacking Israeli tanks using rocket-propelled grenades and mortars. The IDF has identified tunnels used by militants as passageways between neighboring houses. Additionally, Israeli strikes in central Gaza resulted in the deaths of at least 14 people, including seven children, within the last 24 hours. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, 30 people have been killed and 95 injured recently, bringing the total number of fatalities to at least 37,296 since the conflict began following Hamas attacks on October 7.
- Al-Qassam Brigades have been meticulously documenting their operations against Israeli forces on numerous combat fronts since the onset of the Israeli ground operation on October 27. The documented operations reveal extensive planning and execution strategies in ambushing and targeting occupation forces.
- Both sides have incurred significant casualties and engaged in numerous tactical maneuvers, highlighting the complex and escalating nature of the conflict which has resulted in heavy losses on both sides.
- As the IDF continues its advance towards Rafah, it encounters staunch resistance from Hamas fighters, utilizing various combat tactics including ambushes, rocket attacks, and the construction of extensive tunnel networks.
