Gaza fighting: Two Israeli soldiers killed, 13 injured, four missing

GAZA: Two Israeli soldiers killed and 13 wounded in fierce fighting with al-Qassam Brigades in Gaza City’s Al-Zeitoun neighborhood, as four soldiers reported missing.

Fierce battles, accompanied by airstrikes and heavy artillery fire, are taking place in Gaza City’s outer neighborhoods as Israel attempts to occupy the city, Israeli media reported.

Intense fighting reported as Israeli forces try to advance into the area.

Israeli media described the fighting as one of the most serious since Oct. 7, 2023.

The Israeli military has imposed a publication ban until further notice, it said.

The media reported that the army launched extensive search operations amid growing concerns that some of the missing soldiers may have fallen into the hands of Hamas.

“We remind those who forget, death or capture,” Hamas’ al-Qassam Brigades wrote on Telegram, coinciding with reports of an ambush.

The developments follow harsh statements from Abu Obeida, spokesman for Hamas’s military wing, the al-Qassam Brigades.

Abu Obeida warned that Israel’s plans to occupy Gaza would prove disastrous for Tel Aviv’s political and military leadership. He said combat conditions would increase the chances of capturing soldiers.

He also said Israeli prisoners would remain in combat zones under the same risky conditions as Palestinian fighters, warning that any hostages killed in Israeli attacks would be publicly announced with names, photos and death certificates.

Israel’s current attacks are part of Operation Gideon 2, approved by Defense Minister Israel Katz on Aug. 21, to occupy Gaza City. The operation continues with large-scale attacks that began two weeks ago in the Zeitoun neighborhood, extending to Sabra.

Israel has declared the area a “dangerous combat zone” while intensifying bombardments since early Thursday.

Israel has killed more than 63,000 Palestinians in Gaza since October 2023. The military campaign has devastated the enclave, which is facing famine.