Intense Urban Warfare: Israeli Troops Clash with Hamas in Deep Gaza

Israeli troops are engaged in "fierce battles" against Hamas terrorists deep inside Gaza, with ground and air forces hitting several Hamas positions and anti-tank guided missile squads. Dozens of terrorists have been killed, and weapons have been seized. The IDF announced the killing of the commander of Hamas's Beit Lahiya Battalion, Nisam Abu Ajina. Rocket fire from Gaza continues, causing damage to homes and injuring four people in Ashdod. Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas and secure the freedom of the hostages kidnapped to Gaza. A soldier abducted by Hamas has been rescued, and the IDF released a radio recording of the head of the Southern Command emphasizing the goal of victory. Calls for a ceasefire have been dismissed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who compared the situation to the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the terrorist attack of 9/11. The Defense Ministry announced that 80 trucks of humanitarian aid would enter Gaza, the largest number in one day since the start of the war.