Hamas claims killing 3 Israeli soldiers in northern Gaza

GAZA — Hamas’ armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, said on Monday its fighters killed three Israeli soldiers and “rescued” Palestinians held by Israeli forces in a house in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza Strip.

In a statement, Al-Qassam said its members “stabbed and killed three Israeli soldiers who were on a mission to protect a building.” It added that Hamas fighters also seized the Israeli soldiers’ weapons and freed several Palestinians held captive.

The Israeli military did not immediately comment.

Israel’s state-owned Kan TV news reported that three soldiers and officers from the Kfir Brigade were killed by the detonation of an explosive device targeting a military force in northern Gaza.

XINHUA