Four Israeli Soldiers Missing in Gaza: What We Know So Far
Gaza (Quds News Network)- Israeli media reported growing fears inside the army after at least four soldiers went missing during three battles with Hamas resistance fighters in Gaza. Search operations are still underway as fighting intensifies.
According to Israeli media, a series of “serious security incidents” unfolded within a short time. One of the incidents took place in the al-Zeitoun neighborhood, east of Gaza City, and was still ongoing late into the night.
Israeli reports confirmed that at least two soldiers were killed and 13 others wounded in Palestinian resistance operations. Hamas fighters reportedly tracked Israeli forces with night-vision equipment, sparking intense clashes.
Israeli media said al-Qassam fighters launched a fierce operation against an Israeli force in al-Zeitoun. They prepared ambushes and deployed a large number of fighters to strike fortified positions.
Helicopters rushed to evacuate troops under heavy fire. Israeli reports said six helicopters sent for evacuation came under intense shooting in al-Zeitoun. Minutes after the first “serious incident” was reported, two more took place, injuring additional soldiers.
Sources also said an Israeli rescue unit walked into an ambush while attempting to evacuate troops from the initial battle site.
Israeli media also reported that the army activated the “Hannibal Protocol,” a procedure triggered when soldiers are feared captured, allowing deadly force even at the risk of killing its own soldiers.
Fierce clashes continued around the main battle zone, with Israeli warplanes and drones joining the fight. Artillery shelling hit the al-Zeitoun and Sabra neighborhoods in Gaza City, as well as Jabalia in the north.
The news of Israeli losses came only hours after a series statements by al-Qassam’s spokesman, Abu Ubaida.
Abu Ubaida had warned that Israeli troops would pay a “heavy price” if they tried to invade Gaza City.
