Hamas has claimed the capture of Israeli soldiers during recent clashes in northern Gaza, an assertion that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has strongly denied. The announcement was made by Abu Ubaida, the spokesman for Hamas’s military wing, the Al Qassam Brigades, in a statement broadcast by Al Jazeera on Sunday.
According to Abu Ubaida, Hamas fighters allegedly lured a group of Israeli soldiers into a tunnel in Jabalia on Saturday, where they ambushed the soldiers. He claimed that all members of the Israeli force were either killed, wounded, or captured. However, he did not provide evidence or specify the number of soldiers allegedly taken.
A video released by Hamas purportedly shows a bloodied individual being dragged through a tunnel and images of military gear and a rifle. The authenticity of the footage and the identity of the person shown have not been independently confirmed.
In response, the IDF issued a statement refuting the claim, asserting, “The IDF clarifies that there is no incident in which a soldier was abducted.” The Israeli military maintains that it has successfully dismantled Hamas’s command network in northern Gaza.
This development comes amid ongoing efforts to negotiate a ceasefire. Reports indicate that negotiations, mediated by Egypt and Qatar with active involvement from the United States, may resume next week. However, a Hamas official has denied claims that talks will start on Tuesday in Cairo, stating that no date has been set.
Meanwhile, nearly 200 aid trucks are expected to enter Gaza through the Karem Abu Salem crossing today, providing much-needed relief as the region grapples with a severe humanitarian crisis. The ongoing conflict has left nearly 36,000 Palestinians dead and devastated Gaza’s infrastructure, leaving over 80% of its 2.3 million residents without adequate food and shelter.
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