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The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) continue to face fierce resistance from the Hamas Movement and other Palestinian armed factions in the Gaza Strip.
On March 8, Hamas’ military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, released video footage showing its snipers targeting Israeli troops close to the city of Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza. At least one officer was hit, according to the group.
And on March 9, the al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, shared footage of its troops scouting several gatherings of the IDF to the east of Gaza’s central region, then selling them with mortars and short-range rockets.
The IDF has lost 247 troops since the start of ground operations in Gaza. More than 1,400 others have been reportedly wounded. Some troops are still in a life-threatening condition. No fatalities were announced over the past day.
On the Palestinian side, the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza said that 82 people were killed and 122 others injured in the last 24 hours.
“The Israeli occupation committed 10 massacres against families in the Gaza Strip, leaving 82 martyrs and 122 injured during the past 24 hours,” the ministry said in a statement. “Many people are still trapped under rubble and on the roads as rescuers are unable to reach them.”
According to the ministry, Israeli operations have so far claimed the lives of 30,960 Palestinians, mostly women and children. The ministry also said that the number of wounded in the Strip has exceeded 72,524.
Indirect talks between Israel and Hamas are yet to result in an agreement, despite recent reports of progress. Meanwhile, the IDF continues to prepare to launch an offensive in the southern Gaza area of Rafah, where more than one Palestinians are reportedly taking shelter.
