Operation Targets Occupation Site via Tunnel in Gaza Shortly After Katz's Visit

SadaNews - A group of resistance fighters attacked an Israeli military position in the heart of the Gaza Strip today, Wednesday, using a tunnel in southern Gaza City, shortly after the visit of Israeli Security Minister Israel Katz to the same area.

According to the Israeli army radio, the operation was carried out by elements of the Hamas movement, while discussions between the Israeli side and Hamas were ongoing in Sharm El-Sheikh in an attempt to reach understandings regarding a ceasefire.

The report mentioned that a number of group members were killed during the clash that took place near the "Nitzarim" junction, while the others retreated back into the tunnel.

Later, the Israeli occupation army issued a statement saying that forces from the Golani Brigade "killed a number of saboteurs who attempted to target a military site in the vicinity of Gaza City," as stated.

The statement said, "Earlier today (Wednesday), the Golani Brigade forces operating around Gaza City spotted a number of militants while they were attempting to attack the stationed army forces in the area."

It added, "The forces, in cooperation with the Israeli Air Force, attacked the saboteurs and eliminated a number of them, while searches for others continue. No injuries were reported among our forces during the incident."

On another note, the Israeli army radio reported that the attack occurred shortly after the visit of Israeli Security Minister Israel Katz to the southern area of Gaza City, where he met with army leaders in the same location.

The official statement issued by the Ministry of Security included details of Katz's visit to the Al-Sabra neighborhood in southern Gaza City, and stated that he "ordered the forces to be prepared for all possibilities and to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of the soldiers and defend them."

According to the statement, "The Security Minister received an operational briefing from the leaders about the progress of the fighting in Gaza City and praised their strong efforts, which created the conditions for negotiations aimed at the release of all prisoners and achieving the war's objectives."

Katz stated that "the decision to control Gaza City and the strong incursion there opens up an opportunity to end the war victoriously." He issued instructions to "use all necessary force to protect the lives of soldiers without any restrictions or hesitation."

These developments come amid indirect negotiations taking place in Egypt aimed at reaching an agreement for a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange, at a time when the battlefronts in the Gaza Strip are witnessing ongoing military escalation by the occupation.