Israeli soldiers during the military campaign in Gaza. IT photo
The Israeli army has confirmed the above information. The attack is a sign of the fierce resistance that Hamas forces still pose to Israel despite more than two months of devastating bombardment.
The ambush that killed nine Israeli soldiers in a crowded residential area followed recent statements by the Israeli military that it had broken the Hamas command structure in northern Gaza, encircling the militant group. remaining, killing thousands of gunmen and arresting hundreds of others. Israel even declared that Hamas is on the “brink of disintegration” due to their fierce attack campaign.
However, the stubborn resistance of Palestinian fighters shows that Israel seems to be far from its goal of destroying Hamas – despite its army having launched one of the most devastating attacks of the 21st century.
The Israeli army said the ambush took place on Tuesday, December 13 in Shijaiyah, where the Israeli army was searching a cluster of buildings after losing contact with four soldiers who were secretly attacked by Hamas. When other soldiers launched a rescue operation, they were ambushed. Intense gunshots and sounds of explosives were heard.
Among the nine people killed was Colonel Itzhak Ben Basat, 44 years old. Mr. Basat was the highest-ranking Israeli officer killed in the Israeli ground campaign, as was Lt. Col. Tomer Grinberg, a battalion commander.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was a “very difficult day” but he rejected calls from the international community for a ceasefire.
“We will continue to fight until the end, no doubt about it. I say this even in the face of great pain and international pressure. Nothing can stop us, we will continue until the end, until victory, nothing more, nothing less,” the Israeli leader said in a speech to military commanders.
According to Gaza health officials, Israeli air and ground attacks have killed more than 18,600 Palestinians. Gaza City and surrounding towns were reduced to rubble. Nearly 1.9 million people no longer have a home to return to.
The consequences of the humanitarian crisis are causing international outrage. The US has repeatedly called on Israel to take stronger measures to save civilians, even as it blocked international calls for a ceasefire and actively provided military aid to its closest ally in China. My East.
The Israeli army is still fighting fiercely with Palestinian militants in and around Gaza City, more than six weeks after storming northern Gaza following an October 7 attack by Hamas.
Clashes broke out overnight in many areas, especially fierce fighting in Shijaiyah, a densely populated area that was the site of a major battle during the 2014 conflict between Israel and Hamas.
“It was terrifying,” said Mustafa Abu Taha, a Palestinian agricultural worker who lives nearby. We couldn’t sleep. The situation is getting worse and we have nowhere safe to go.”