Amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, clashes erupted in the southern city of Khan Yunis in the besieged Gaza Strip, resulting in significant casualties among Israeli soldiers at the hands of the Izzaddin al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Hamas government.

According to reports from the Palestinian news agency RNN and Iran-based PressTV, at least 14 Israeli soldiers were killed in a series of ambushes carried out by the Al-Qassam Brigades on Saturday. The deadliest attack occurred in the Al-Jana area of Khan Younis, where Palestinian fighters targeted three Israeli Merkava tanks. Subsequently, when additional troops arrived to aid the wounded, they too fell victim to the ambush, resulting in the deaths of at least 9 Israeli soldiers.

Shortly thereafter, another attack unfolded, with Israeli soldiers seeking refuge in a building only to be targeted by Hamas fighters once again. In this subsequent clash, five more Israeli soldiers were reported killed. Al-Qassam Brigades also claimed that numerous Israeli soldiers were injured in these assaults, prompting the Israeli military to dispatch helicopters for their evacuation.

While Israeli authorities did not immediately release information regarding the clashes or casualties, Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hagari acknowledged heavy fighting with Hamas forces in Khan Yunis.

These skirmishes come against the backdrop of heightened tensions between Iran and Israel, with both sides engaged in a war of words and military posturing. Last year, the Hamas government in Gaza launched a significant military operation against Israel, resulting in widespread casualties among Palestinians and Israeli soldiers alike.

Hamas contends that the casualties inflicted on Israeli forces during these recent clashes far exceed the number reported by Israeli authorities. However, the Netanyahu government has been accused of withholding information about the conflict to maintain a semblance of control amid mounting casualties.

As the situation continues to evolve, the conflict between Hamas and Israeli forces underscores the volatile nature of the region and the precarious balance of power between rival factions.