The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed on Saturday that eight soldiers were killed in ongoing clashes in the southern Gaza Strip, specifically in Rafah. The military operations have intensified in and around Rafah, with Israeli forces advancing despite international pressure for a ceasefire.
Earlier, Hamas’ armed wing reported an ambush on an armored personnel carrier in the Tel Al-Sultan area of Rafah, resulting in casualties among Israeli soldiers. The area, heavily populated by displaced Palestinians seeking refuge, has witnessed continued Israeli tank advancements and airstrikes.
Amid growing international appeals for peace, efforts to negotiate a ceasefire remain elusive, more than eight months since the conflict erupted in October.
Israeli airstrikes targeted residential areas in Gaza City suburbs, leading to the deaths of at least 15 civilians, while four others lost their lives in separate attacks in the south, according to medical sources.
The IDF stated that during operations in Rafah, significant quantities of weapons were seized, both above ground and within Hamas’ extensive tunnel network. The military also accused militants of launching rockets from civilian areas in central Gaza, further condemning the use of humanitarian infrastructure and civilians as shields.
Meanwhile, the Islamic Jihad’s armed wing, Al-Quds Brigades, asserted that Israel could only secure the release of its hostages in Gaza through a complete cessation of hostilities and Israeli withdrawal from the enclave. This stance complicates ceasefire negotiations, with Hamas demanding an end to the war and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza before agreeing to any truce.
Since a brief truce in November, repeated attempts to broker a ceasefire have faltered, underscoring the entrenched positions of both parties. The death toll among Palestinians continues to rise, with the Gaza health ministry reporting over 37,296 casualties, including at least 30 fatalities in the past 24 hours alone.
