UPDATE - Hamas claims to kill Israeli soldier, destroy military vehicles in Gaza amid clashes

UPDATES WITH HAMAS' POST OF FOOTAGE OF CLASHES

By Anadolu staff

GAZA CITY, Palestine (AA) — Palestinian group Hamas said Tuesday that its fighters had killed an Israeli soldier and destroyed several armored vehicles in the Gaza Strip.

“Our fighters engaged in clashes with Israeli forces northwest of Gaza City,” the group’s armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, said in a statement.

According to the statement, an Israeli soldier was killed and a tank and bulldozer were struck.

​​​​​​​The group said its fighters also destroyed three armored vehicles in northern Gaza and another vehicle east of the Erez crossing with anti-armor shells and explosive devices.

The Al-Qassam Brigades also posted footage of clashes between its fighters and Israeli forces that occurred on Sunday near the border crossing in northern Gaza.

Since last weekend the Israeli army has widened its air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip, which has been under relentless airstrikes since the surprise offensive by the Palestinian group Hamas on Oct. 7.

More than 9,800 people have been killed in the Gaza conflict, including 8,306 Palestinians and more than 1,538 Israelis.