TEHRAN: The Israeli military has acknowledged the loss of nine soldiers in combat with the Palestinian resistance in Gaza This revelation coincides with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyah’s statement that the regime is far from achieving victory in its Gaza war and provided insights into the motives behind Operation al-Aqsa Storm on October 7, 2023.
Initially, on Tuesday, the Israeli military declared four soldiers killed in Gaza, later releasing the names of five others. Recent Israeli army casualties follow media reports that nine soldiers were killed in two operations by the resistance.
The military disclosed dozens of injuries over the past 48 hours, and Monday was described as one of the toughest days in the Israeli war on Gaza, with over 100 soldiers sustaining injuries. Tehran Times published this report on Wednesday.
Since the start of the war on October 7, Israeli media reports indicate 514 soldiers killed, including 180 in ground offensives since October 27. Over 1,000 soldiers have been injured, approximately 250 in serious condition.
Experts suggest the actual casualty figures may be higher, with some Israeli papers reporting around 3,221 soldiers wounded.
The al-Qassam brigades, the military wing of Hamas, reported thwarting an Israeli raid in al-Bureij camp, resulting in Israeli soldiers’ death and the seizure of their equipment. In another incident in Khan Younis, al-Qassam claimed casualties among Israeli military unit members.
Palestinian resistance remains active in central and southern Gaza, resisting the occupation army’s advances. The northern Gaza Strip has seen the occupation army withdraw after causing extensive civilian infrastructure damage.
Hamas’s armed wing continues to launch rockets at Israeli-occupied territories, targeting cities and settlements, including Tel Aviv. Sirens were reported in Tel Aviv and 30 other locations. In response to alleged Zionist massacres, al-Qassam brigades claimed to have bombed Tel Aviv.
Hamas political bureau head Ismail Haniyeh emphasized that the only way for Zionist prisoners to leave Gaza alive is to release all Palestinian prisoners.
He outlined the failure of Israeli goals in the war and cited reasons for Operation al-Aqsa Storm, including the marginalization of the Palestinian issue, changes in the Israeli government’s agenda, desecration of the al-Aqsa Mosque, and regional normalization with the occupation.
