Israeli Forces Conduct Limited Ground Raids in Gaza, Hostage Count Revised to 222

Jerusalem: Israel’s military announced on Monday that it had conducted limited ground operations in the Gaza Strip overnight to combat Palestinian gunmen. The primary focus of air strikes was on locations where Hamas militants were assembling, preparing to potentially launch a broader Israeli invasion.

According to Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the chief military spokesperson, 222 individuals have been confirmed as hostages as a result of the cross-border attack by Hamas on October 7.

Hamas Engages Israeli Force Infiltration

Hamas fighters clashed with an Israeli force that infiltrated the Gaza Strip and subsequently returned to their base after damaging Israeli military equipment. The armed wing of Hamas, known as the Izz el-Deen al-Qassam Brigades, reported that this infiltration by an armored force occurred east of Khan Younis in southern Gaza. This incident took place amid expectations of a full-scale ground offensive by Israeli forces concentrated around the enclave.

The Izz el-Deen al-Qassam Brigades statement indicated that their fighters engaged with the infiltrating force, resulting in the destruction of two bulldozers and a tank. The Israeli force was compelled to withdraw, and the fighters returned safely to their base. At the time of this report, there had been no immediate comment from Israeli authorities regarding the destruction of their equipment or vehicles.