Hamas Al-Qassam Brigades spokesperson Abu Ubaida said the ‘resistance movement’ will not negotiate over Israeli hostages under fire as over 1,000 people lost their lives on both sides of the border.
In a live televised message he said: “We entered this battle with unwavering resolve and courage, fully aware of the potential outcomes and prepared for any eventuality. Our faith in our people, fighters, and revolutionaries in the West Bank, Jerusalem, and the occupied territories remains unwavering, as they bear the responsibility for safeguarding Al-Aqsa.”
Operation Al-Aqsa Flood
Abu Ubaida continued, “We are convinced that the surge of support for Al-Aqsa is steadily growing, poised to overwhelm the arrogance of the occupation and impart a historic lesson on the strength of our nation and our people across all domains and fronts.”
He warned the Israeli enemy that it should be ready to pay a high price in exchange for the freedom of the captives. “The matter of prisoners is a strategically crucial issue with a well-defined trajectory, and the occupation will inevitably bear the consequences,” he reiterated.
“The concept of a regional war versus aggression against Al-Aqsa is not mere rhetoric; it is a fiery torrent that will ultimately consume the enemy.”
“Despite the enemy’s possession of advanced security and military technology, they have failed to confront our fighters on the ground for over 60 hours. Despite the billions invested in their soldiers and their so-called elite forces, none of this has stood up to the moment of truth and confrontation with the Qassam elite.”
“Our battles continue across multiple locations, with the constant rotation of forces, the dispatch of reinforcements armed with weapons and equipment, and the capture of prisoners. Our mujahideen have engaged in unrelenting clashes, culminating in the defeat of the entire Gaza division of the occupation army on the first day. Our fighters have effectively neutralized Merkava tanks and other military hardware.”
Abu Ubaida claimed, “In response to their historic failure and wounded pride, the enemy has unleashed airstrikes on neighborhoods, residential areas, markets, and streets, targeting our people in Gaza.”
In closing, he issued a stern message to the occupation forces, saying, “We tell the occupation that the era of your triumphs has irrevocably ended, giving way to an era of defeat and setbacks. The Qassam Brigades maintain a firm grip on the direction of this battle, underpinned by an efficient command and control system, and we are fully prepared to endure for an extended duration."
Israel response: 300,000 reservists
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country’s military forces are ‘just beginning’ to fight back against Hamas militants, even as Israeli warplanes unleashed hundreds of airstrikes on the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip throughout the day.
Netanyahu urged the opposition in his right-wing government to “immediately establish a national emergency government without preconditions” during the war.
VOA reported Israeli warplanes repeatedly hit Gaza on Monday, while the military said it mobilized 300,000 reservists ahead of ‘going on the offensive’ in response to the surprise attack Saturday by Hamas militants.
“We are fighting animals, and we will act accordingly,” Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told army commanders.
Israel said it had attacked 130 Hamas targets in a three-hour time frame.
UN: 180,000 Gazans have fled their homes
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency announces that there are 180,000 internally displaced persons in the Gaza Strip, with 137,500 sheltering in 83 UNRWA schools.
Israel's 3 soldiers inlcuding IDF deputy commander killed at Lebanese border
Israel announced that 3 of its soldiers were killed in clashes along the Lebanese border yesterday. One of them was the Druze soldier and deputy commander of the 300th Infantry Brigade (91st Division), Lieutenant Colonel Alim Abdullah.
