A deadly Rafah explosion rocked the southern Gaza Strip on Thursday, reportedly killing and injuring several Israeli soldiers from the elite Golani Brigade. The troops were allegedly setting explosives in a building when it detonated. The Israeli government has yet to comment, and local media remain under a reporting blackout.
Ambush in Rafah
Eyewitnesses described a powerful blast followed by intense clashes between Israeli forces and Hamas fighters in Rafah’s El Geneina neighborhood. According to Al Jazeera, the Qassam Brigades claimed responsibility for the ambush, stating their fighters engaged in “fierce, point-blank confrontations.” They alleged the building was rigged with explosives to trap the advancing Israeli unit.
As fighting escalated, Israeli helicopters arrived to evacuate casualties. Footage shared by Israeli sources showed medical choppers transporting injured soldiers to hospitals. However, the extraction faced delays due to ongoing combat and chaotic conditions.
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Ongoing Urban Demolitions
Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud reported that Israeli troops had been laying explosive wires as part of a widespread demolition campaign in Rafah. Witnesses saw military helicopters circling before landing in the city. The operation involved heavy gunfire and multiple detonations, which later subsided.
Casualties Mount in Gaza
While Israeli forces suffered setbacks in Rafah, air strikes continued across Gaza. At least 16 Palestinians were killed in attacks on Deir el-Balah, the Nuseirat refugee camp, and Shujayea. Shelling in Shujayea also injured several others. Medical teams reported more than 100 Palestinian deaths in the past 24 hours alone.
The humanitarian toll continues to grow as urban warfare and aerial bombardments intensify across the besieged territory.
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