Latest news with #Merkava-4
Roya News
a day ago
- Politics
- Roya News
Hamas fighters attempted to kidnap 'Israeli' soldiers in Gaza attack: Reports
Hebrew media reported on Wednesday that Hamas fighters attempted to capture 'Israeli' soldiers during an attack on a post affiliated with the Kfir Brigade in Khan Younis, Gaza. The capturing attempt was part of a broader attack announced by Qassam Brigades, in which fighters carried out a complex operation lasting several hours against the newly established 'Israeli' military site. In a statement, the Brigades said a platoon-sized unit launched the raid by targeting several Merkava-4 guard tanks. They added that fighters shelled houses where 'Israeli' soldiers were stationed with six anti-fortification rounds and heavy machine gun fire, before storming the buildings and engaging troops at close range with light weapons and hand grenades, claiming to have killed and wounded several soldiers. The statement also said a sniper fatally hit the commander of a Merkava-4 tank. When an 'Israeli' rescue unit arrived, one of the fighters detonated himself among the soldiers, causing further casualties. To secure their withdrawal and block reinforcements, the fighters reportedly shelled surrounding positions with mortars. The Brigades said the attack lasted several hours and that their fighters observed 'Israeli' helicopters landing at the site to evacuate the wounded. The Israeli Occupation Forces confirmed the attack, stating that 15 Hamas fighters targeted the post. According to Hebrew media, the attack involved machine gun and anti-tank fire, with attackers emerging from several tunnel shafts before advancing toward the outpost. The attempt reportedly included efforts to abduct soldiers. The IOF allegedly managed to repel the attack, eliminating 10 Hamas fighters, including through aerial fire. A military source in the Southern Command said: 'Hamas has stepped up a level; it is increasing friction with the IDF. We are preparing for additional incidents.' An IOF spokesperson added: 'The incident is still ongoing, and the forces are continuing their efforts to locate and eliminate the terrorists.'
Shafaq News
a day ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Hamas attempt to seize Israeli soldiers in Rafah
Shafaq News – Gaza (Updated at 13:30) Hamas gunmen attacked an Israeli army position in Rafah, southern Gaza, and attempted to capture soldiers, Israeli media reported on Wednesday. According to Channel 14, at least ten militants tried to storm the post, prompting troops to open fire. Army helicopters later evacuated three wounded soldiers to nearby hospitals. Hamas confirmed the attack, stating that its armed wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, launched an assault on a newly established Israeli military site southeast of Khan Younis in southern Gaza. In a statement, Hamas said that a unit of fighters stormed the position, targeting several Merkava-4 tanks with explosive devices and Yasin-105 rockets. The Brigades also struck houses where Israeli troops were stationed, using six anti-fortification shells and small arms fire before entering the homes. 'Our snipers killed a tank commander, and hit surrounding areas with mortar fire to block reinforcements,' the statement added. The incident came just hours after Israel approved the mobilization of 80,000 reservists as part of a new Gaza City offensive. The campaign, named Gideon's Chariots II, envisions 'transferring civilians from combat zones to the south of the enclave before advancing,' Israeli outlets reported. While Israeli authorities described the step as necessary 'to dismantle Hamas,' critics cautioned that it could complicate hostage negotiations and increase domestic tensions.
