ALWAGHT- The military wing of the Hamas resistance movement announced it had targeted five Israeli battle tanks in northern Gaza, amid continued Israeli bombardments that have claimed dozens more lives in the besieged territory.
The Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades reported targeting five Israeli tanks and an Apache helicopter in separate operations across the Gaza Strip. Explosive devices were used against one Merkava tank in the al-Saftawi area and four additional tanks in eastern Jabalia. The group also claimed to have targeted an Israeli Apache helicopter with a SAM rocket near the al-Bureij refugee camp. The Israeli military has not commented on these claims.
Israeli media reports have highlighted the resilience and resurgence of resistance fighters in Gaza, estimating their numbers at 20,000 to 23,000. These figures challenge earlier claims of Israel nearing a decisive victory over Hamas. The resistance has continued to launch rockets, with the latest strikes triggering sirens near Beeri and other areas, even as Israel intensifies its military onslaught in northern Gaza.
Civilian casualties in Gaza remain devastating, with at least 30 people, including children, killed in Israeli airstrikes on Friday. The Shuja’iyya neighborhood of Gaza City and other areas have faced heavy bombardment. Gaza’s civil defense agency reported critical conditions at the Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahia, which was heavily damaged, leaving patients and medical staff in dire need of aid. Residents described the situation as catastrophic, accusing Israel of targeting all aspects of life in the region.
Efforts to negotiate a ceasefire have continued, with Qatar, Egypt, and the United States mediating indirect talks between Israel and Hamas. However, Israel’s reluctance to agree to a long-term truce remains a significant obstacle, prolonging the nearly 15-month conflict that has devastated Gaza.
