Hamas claims killing, wounding Israeli soldiers in Rafah

GAZA -- Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, claimed on Sunday that its fighters killed and wounded several Israeli soldiers in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip.

In a press statement, Al-Qassam said that its fighters detonated a house rigged with explosives, targeting an Israeli special forces unit that had infiltrated the Abu al-Rus area east of Rafah.

The brigades did not disclose the number of casualties, and the Israeli army has not issued a response regarding the claim.

Meanwhile, Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee said in a press statement that the army's 252nd Division continues to operate in northern Gaza.

According to Adraee, the forces destroyed an underground tunnel route measuring approximately 1.2 kilometers in length and 20 meters in depth. A weapons depot was found near the tunnel, containing about 20 improvised explosive devices, an anti-tank missile launcher, and other combat equipment.

He added that during the operation, a military drone identified several individuals planting an explosive device near Israeli forces. The Air Force then launched a strike, reportedly killing the individuals.