Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported Tuesday that several Israeli soldiers had been killed and others seriously wounded when Palestinian militants launched an ambush near Gaza City, killing several and seriously wounding others during ongoing military operations in central Gaza where Israeli forces have been engaging in intense urban combat with Hamas fighters.
IDF stated that its troops were conducting a routine ground sweep when they came under heavy fire and explosive attacks from multiple directions, using IEDs, sniper fire, and close range engagements – an ambush used against them that included IEDs, sniper fire, and close range engagements according to their statement. Although exact casualty figures have not been released due to military censorship rules, media sources reported at least four soldiers killed and several seriously wounded as casualties.
Hamas militants later claimed responsibility for the ambush, issuing video footage purporting to show it live. The group asserted it lured soldiers into an explosive-rigged densely built area before opening fire from hidden positions; its authenticity has yet to be independently confirmed.
This incident marks one of the deadliest attacks against Israeli ground forces since the conflict has escalated. Over the last month, Israeli troops have moved deeper into Gaza in an effort to dismantle Hamas infrastructure while encountering fierce resistance from well-armed and well-entrenched militant factions.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered condolences to the families of those killed, vowing to continue military operations until all objectives were reached. In a televised address he declared: “Our soldiers are heroes, and such cowardly attacks won’t deter us.”
Meanwhile, Gaza remains at the epicenter of an intense humanitarian crisis with thousands of civilians being uprooted from their homes and critical shortages in food, water and medical supplies reported. International organizations have called for a ceasefire but diplomatic efforts remain blocked.
As both sides exchange deadly blows, this latest ambush serves to demonstrate both Israeli ground forces’ high risks and the complex, lethal nature of urban warfare in Gaza.