Heavy Fighting in Gaza: IDF Soldier Seriously Wounded - Airstrikes on Hamas Positions

A day of intense fighting unfolded across the Gaza Strip on Friday, as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continued its military operations against Hamas, encountering resistance in several locations and responding with targeted airstrikes. The most serious incident occurred in the Tel al-Sultan area near the Philadelphia Corridor, where a reserve IDF soldier was seriously wounded by RPG fire.

The IDF reported that the injured soldier was evacuated to a hospital, and his family has been notified. Two additional soldiers sustained light injuries in the same clash.

Ambush Targets Administrative Soldiers in Open Vehicle

The incident took place as a unit from the 205th Reserve Armored Brigade was traveling in an open Hummer, transporting administrative personnel. The vehicle was struck by anti-tank missile fire, and the soldiers were also targeted with small arms. The IDF said it is unclear whether the terrorists involved were hit in the return fire.

In response, Israeli Air Force (IAF) jets struck four Hamas targets in the vicinity and provided aerial cover to assist in the evacuation of the wounded.

Ongoing Clashes in Shaja'iya and Khan Yunis

Shortly after the Tel al-Sultan incident, another IDF soldier was lightly injured by anti-tank fire during a separate clash in Shaja'iya, a known Hamas stronghold east of Gaza City.

The IDF Spokesperson in Arabic, Col. Avichay Adraee, issued a warning to residents in the area: “We will vigorously attack any area from which terrorism is carried out. For your safety, move immediately west toward Gaza City.”

According to Palestinian reports, 18 people were killed in two separate airstrikes on homes in Khan Yunis. Additional artillery shelling was reported in Zaytoun and Shaja'iya, alongside ongoing clashes and airstrikes in and around Gaza City.

Footage Released of 401st Brigade Strike on Terrorist Squad

Later in the evening, the IDF released footage showing 401st Brigade forces operating in Tuffah, a neighborhood in northern Gaza. During one engagement, a terrorist squad fired an anti-tank missile at Israeli forces from a window in a residential building. In response, the IAF eliminated the cell in a swift strike.

IDF troops also discovered and destroyed missile launchers aimed at Israeli territory, the army said.

Ministerial Demands to Intensify Military Campaign

At a cabinet meeting Friday evening, several ministers urged the military to escalate operations in Gaza. Minister Miri Regev criticized the pace of the campaign, telling IDF Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Herzi Halevi: “We cannot continue like this. They are faltering in Gaza. That is half strength.”

Maj. Gen. Halevi replied: “I do not agree. Thousands of IDF fighters are currently in Gaza, actively engaged in combat.”

Defense Minister Israel Katz praised the IDF’s progress but acknowledged the high stakes and sacrifices:
"Thousands of regular and reserve IDF soldiers are fighting bravely in Gaza to free the hostages and destroy Hamas. The achievements are great, but the dangers are still great and the prices are heavy."
He called on the Israeli public to “embrace and support the IDF soldiers and commanders and pray for their safety.”

IDF Mourns Another Fallen Soldier

Earlier in the day, the IDF officially released the name of Reserve Sergeant Assaf Kafri, who was killed by sniper fire in Gaza earlier this week. Kafri's death marks the second fatal incident in the buffer zone this week, underscoring the risks troops continue to face as ground operations intensify.