Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, confirmed the operation. Fighters hit an Israeli Merkava tank and a troop carrier with Yassin-105 anti-armor rockets. Two military excavators were also targeted with the same weapons.
Fighters then advanced toward Israeli troops and exchanged fire with light weapons. During the clash, they attempted to capture an Israeli soldier. However, battlefield conditions prevented the capture. The fighters killed the soldier and seized his weapon. Moments later, Israeli helicopters arrived to evacuate the casualties.
This marked the latest sign of rising Israeli fears about soldier capture. Military analysts in Israel have repeatedly warned of attempts by Palestinian fighters to capture soldiers alive, an outcome that could shift the dynamics of ongoing ceasefire talks.
Just a day earlier, Palestinian resistance carried out a devastating ambush in Beit Hanoun, northern Gaza. The operation resulted in one of the most severe Israeli military setbacks since the genocide in Gaza began.
According to Israeli reports, the ambush unfolded in four deadly stages:
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A roadside bomb hit an Israeli tank.
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A rescue force arrived and was struck by a second explosive.
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A second rescue team attempted to help but was also hit.
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A fourth explosion followed, accompanied by intense gunfire that targeted all wounded soldiers.
Israeli media reported at least five soldiers killed and 16 others injured, some critically. However, Israel is known to underreport military deaths, fueling speculation that the true toll may be higher.
The timing of these operations is significant. Ceasefire negotiations continue between Palestinian factions on one side and Israel and the US on the other. Yet the battlefield remains volatile.
Israeli media have hinted at missing soldiers, further confirming fears that Palestinian fighters may attempt more operations. Such operations could be used to pressure Israel in the ongoing talks.
