Seven Israeli Soldiers Wounded in Gaza City Explosion as Clashes Intensify

Seven Israeli soldiers were wounded late Friday night after their armored personnel carrier was hit by an explosive device in Gaza City’s Zeitoun neighborhood, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). One soldier suffered moderate injuries, while six others sustained light wounds. All the injured were evacuated to receive medical treatment, with later discharged, the military confirmed.

The explosion took place during a wider IDF operation in Zeitoun, an area that has witnessed some of the fiercest clashes of the ongoing war. Reports from Arab media suggested there was an attempted abduction of Israeli troops during the incident, but the IDF swiftly dismissed those claims as false.

The attack highlights the growing risks faced by Israeli ground forces operating in densely populated urban neighborhoods of Gaza. The IDF has labeled Gaza City a “dangerous combat zone” and has suspended earlier humanitarian pauses that allowed for limited aid deliveries. Military officials say the priority is to push deeper into Gaza City to dismantle militant networks and prevent further cross-border attacks.

Residents and local sources described heavy bombardment overnight, with Israeli artillery and airstrikes targeting positions on the outskirts of Gaza City. Palestinian health authorities reported additional civilian casualties, though the numbers have not been independently verified.

The humanitarian situation in the city continues to worsen as fighting intensifies, with shortages of food, medicine, and shelter compounding the crisis for thousands of displaced families.

This latest incident underscores the escalating urban warfare in Gaza and the mounting toll on both soldiers and civilians. With Israeli operations deepening and Palestinian militant groups continuing to deploy improvised explosive devices and ambush tactics, analysts warn that the conflict in Gaza City is entering one of its most volatile phases.

Sources: BBC News. The Guardian, Times of Israel, Reuters