In the early hours of Saturday, reports emerged that Palestinian resistance forces had launched a series of coordinated assaults on Israeli military units across Gaza, inflicting significant casualties and disrupting operations.

The fiercest battle erupted in the Zeitoun neighborhood of northern Gaza City, where Al‑Qassam Brigades fighters ambushed the Israeli army’s 933rd (Nahal) Brigade. Initial reports indicate that at least one soldier was killed and 11 wounded, with four others missing.

The Israeli military reportedly invoked the Hannibal Directive in an attempt to prevent the capture of personnel, deploying helicopters under heavy fire to evacuate the injured.

Simultaneous attacks targeted the 162nd Division in eastern Hamad, near Khan Yunis, and the 84th (Givati) and 401st Armored Brigades in Jabalia. Clashes and mortar fire continued into the night, as Al‑Qassam reinforcements moved into Zeitoun.

Hebrew media confirmed the missing soldiers but noted that military censorship has been imposed on details of the incident. Al‑Qassam later released an image appearing to show an Israeli soldier being dragged, captioned in Arabic and Hebrew: “We remind those who forget: Death or captivity.”

Since Tel Aviv launched its aggression against Gaza in October 2023, at least 455 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza, underscoring the sustained and organized resistance confronting Israeli forces in the besieged territory.