Escalation in Gaza: Palestinian Resistance Strikes Back
The conflict between Palestinian resistance factions and Israeli occupation forces has intensified, with significant attacks reported across the Gaza Strip. Today, both the Al-Qassam Brigades and the Al-Quds Brigades announced targeted strikes against Israeli military positions, resulting in casualties on both sides. The Palestinian resistance has employed a range of artillery, including the short-range 'Rajum' missiles and heavy-caliber mortar shells, to target occupation forces in the Netzarim axis and Rafah.
The Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, confirmed that they bombarded Israeli forces in the Netzarim axis with 114 mm 'Rajum' missiles. Concurrently, the Al-Quds Brigades, representing the Islamic Jihad movement, launched mortar shells at Israeli supply lines in the same region. In Rafah, the resistance targeted a Merkava tank with 'Al-Yassin 105' shells and bombarded the Tal al-Sultan Battalion site with heavy-caliber mortar shells.
Civilian Casualties and Continued Bombardment
The ongoing conflict has led to significant civilian casualties. Medical sources reported that 20 Palestinians were martyred and dozens injured due to Israeli bombings in the central and southern Gaza Strip. The Ministry of Health in Gaza documented three massacres by Israeli forces, resulting in 25 deaths and 80 injuries. The overall toll of the war on Gaza has reached 37,372 martyrs and 85,452 wounded.
Israeli forces continue their ground attacks in Rafah, claiming operational control of 70% of the city. Despite international resolutions calling for a cessation of military operations, the conflict persists, with heavy artillery bombardments and airstrikes reported across Gaza. Notably, the Al-Quds Brigades, in collaboration with the Al-Nasser Salah al-Din Brigades, also targeted the Kissufim military site with joint bombings.
In addition to the military confrontations, the conflict has seen tragic incidents involving civilians. An Israeli sniper killed a Palestinian seller in the Al-Sahaba market, and a woman was martyred after her house was targeted by Israeli forces in the central Gaza Strip. The violence has led to widespread destruction, with homes in the Tal al-Sultan neighborhood and other areas being demolished by Israeli artillery.
- The dissolution of the Israeli war cabinet by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has added a new dimension to the ongoing conflict. Following the resignations of key ministers Benny Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot, Netanyahu is expected to hold limited consultation meetings with select ministers. This political shift comes amidst continued Israeli military operations in Rafah and other parts of Gaza.
- Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari stated that the army has located numerous weapons and destroyed structures equipped with explosives that posed threats to soldiers. The operations in Rafah and central Gaza have involved close combat and drone strikes, resulting in the elimination of several armed terrorists according to Israeli sources.
- Al Jazeera reported extensive attacks throughout Gaza overnight, with heavy artillery targeting areas from Beit Hanoon in the north to Rafah in the south. The eastern border areas also faced significant bombardment, including refugee camps and residential neighborhoods. The humanitarian impact of these attacks is severe, exacerbating the already dire conditions in the Gaza Strip.
