At Least Israeli soldier was killed late Friday and 11 others were injured in fierce battles in Gaza, with four soldiers being missing amid fears of being captured by Hamas resistance fighters.
The intense battles, which was described as “hard security incidents” by the Israeli media, came shortly after Abu Ubaida, the spokesman of Hamas’ Al-Qassam Brigades, made powerful remarks, warning that the Israeli plan to occupy Gaza City under so-called “Operation Gideon 2” would prove disastrous for Tel Aviv’s political and military leadership.
Israeli media reported three incidents in which mass rescue and evacuation operations were required, after a number of soldiers were killed or injured by resistance fire.
The Israeli occupation military has imposed a publication ban, with reports on the fighting being leaked by Israeli media and via social media.
The most powerful incident was in Gaza City’s Zeitoun Neighborhood, where Al-Qassam fighters ambushed an Israeli force of Nahal Brigade and attempted to capture soldiers, Hebrew media reported.
It added that based on footage emerging from Zeitoun Neighborhood, intensive helicopter flights, flares, and the sounds of combat assessments suggest the army may have activated the “Hannibal Protocol” — a controversial doctrine designed to prevent soldier captures.
Occupation channels confirm their forces have fallen into a massive ambush in the Al-Zaytoun neighborhood east of Gaza City, with heavy gunfire still echoing through the area.
Military analysts note the night sky lit with intense flares, low-flying helicopters, and concentrated… pic.twitter.com/eeVZnXo0Li
— Thomas Keith (@iwasnevrhere_) August 29, 2025
“Most Serious Fighting since Oct. 2023”
Israeli media reported that the Israeli army launched extensive search operations amid growing concerns that some of the missing soldiers may have fallen into the hands of Hamas.
“Hamas cells emerge from the rubble, carry out deadly ambushes, and then disappear,” Hebrew media reported, as cited by Al-Manar.
It described the fighting as one of the most serious since Oct. 7, 2023.
Coinciding with reports on Zeitoun Neighborhood ambush, Hamas’ Al-Qassam Brigades wrote on Telegram: “We remind those who forget, death or capture.”
Other incidents were reported in Sabra Neighborhood, also in Gaza City, and in Khan Younis, in southern Gaza Strip.
Earlier on Friday, Abu Ubaida said combat conditions would increase the chances of capturing Israeli soldiers.
He stated that Israeli prisoners would remain in combat zones under the same risky conditions as Palestinian fighters, warning that any hostages killed in Israeli attacks would be publicly announced with names, photos and death certificates.
Source: Al-Manar English Website
