Gaza Strip, July 24, 2025 – The Palestinian militant group Hamas has claimed responsibility for a significant attack on Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip, with its armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, reporting that 25 Israeli soldiers were either killed or injured in the assault. While independent verification remains challenging amidst the ongoing conflict, the claim signals a major development in the intense fighting.
According to statements released by the Al-Qassam Brigades, their fighters utilized a combination of anti-personnel explosive devices, detonated booby-trapped homes, and fired “Yassin 105” shells to target Israeli soldiers in the Rafah and Khan Younis areas of Gaza. Hamas’s media outlets circulated reports suggesting that the attack inflicted heavy casualties, leading to the reported 25 dead or wounded.
The Israeli military has yet to provide a detailed response or official casualty figures concerning this specific claim. However, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) typically issues updates on soldier casualties after thorough verification. Recent reports from the IDF, as of July 23, 2025, indicated that two Israeli soldiers were killed in Gaza between July 16 and 23. Overall, since October 7, 2023, Israeli military figures state that at least 895 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 6,112 injured in the Gaza war.
The claimed attack comes as indirect ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, continue to face significant hurdles. Hamas confirmed earlier today that it has responded to Israel’s latest truce proposal, though the details of its response and Israel’s reaction are still under review.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with over 100 aid organizations warning today that “mass starvation” is spreading. The ongoing conflict has resulted in a devastating human toll, with Gaza’s Health Ministry reporting over 59,200 Palestinian fatalities and 143,000 injuries since October 2023.
This latest claim by Hamas underscores the continued fierce resistance faced by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip, particularly in the southern regions, as the conflict extends into its 22nd month.
