Israel says IDF camp in Gaza’s Khan Yunus attacked, at least 8 attackers killed in gunfire

A group of at least 14 armed operatives launched an assault on an Israel Defence Forces (IDF) encampment in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis on Sunday morning, according to an initial military investigation.

The incident, described as unusual in its scale began around 9 a.m. when militants emerged from a tunnel near the post and opened fire with rocket-propelled grenades and machine guns at troops from the Kfir Brigade’s Haruv reconnaissance unit.

Soldiers returned fire, killing at least eight assailants just outside the camp while several others are believed to have retreated into the tunnel. A drone strike was also deployed against the attackers, though the number of casualties from the airstrike remains unclear, the probe said.

The IDF continues to search the area, assessing that the cell may have intended to abduct soldiers. The military has not released an official statement or confirmed whether there were Israeli casualties.

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Israel approves plan to conquer Gaza City

Israel’s defence minister approved a plan on Wednesday for the conquest of Gaza City and authorised the call-up of around 60,000 reservists, piling pressure on Hamas as mediators push for a ceasefire.

Defence Minister Israel Katz’s move, confirmed to AFP by a spokesperson, came as mediators awaited an official Israeli response on their latest proposal.

While mediator Qatar had expressed guarded optimism over the latest proposal, a senior Israeli official said the government stood firm on its call for the release of all hostages in any agreement.

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The framework that Hamas had approved proposes an initial 60-day truce, a staggered hostage release, the freeing of some Palestinian prisoners and provisions allowing for the entry of aid into Gaza.

Israel and Hamas have held on-off indirect negotiations throughout the war, resulting in two short truces during which Israeli hostages were released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

Of the 251 hostages taken during Hamas’s October 2023 attack that triggered the war, 49 are still in Gaza, including 27 the Israeli military says are dead.

Sources from Hamas and its ally Islamic Jihad told AFP on Wednesday that the latest proposal envisages the release of 10 hostages and 18 bodies from Gaza.

The remaining captives would be released in a second phase, with negotiations for a broader settlement.

With inputs from agencies