Zionist media have reported that several occupation forces troops were wounded in al-Shujaiya, as Palestinian Resistance factions continue to launch attacks and execute ambushes targeting Zionist soldiers in Gaza.
The al-Quds Brigades, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad’s armed wing, stated that they launched a coordinated artillery and missile attack against occupation troops fortified in a residential area along the western line north of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip.
The al-Quds Brigades’ Military Media released footage showing their fighters striking gatherings of soldiers and military vehicles in Khan Younis using mortar fire.
On its part, the al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, confirmed targeting a command and control position in the Morag axis using their short-range Rajoum rocket system in an operation on Wednesday.
Nine Zionist troops wounded
Meanwhile, Zionist news outlets reported that eight soldiers sustained injuries during operational activities in al-Shujaiya, a district of Gaza City in the northern Strip, with preliminary information indicating the wounds resulted from an explosion, the cause of which authorities are still working to determine.
The Zionist military confirmed on Thursday that a soldier had suffered severe injuries during fighting in southern Gaza the previous day, July 24, without elaborating on the specifics of the engagement or the precise area where the injury took place.
The occupation army stated in an official release that the wounded soldier serves in the armored corps of Battalion 71 of Brigade 188, while occupation media sources reported that he sustained shrapnel injuries to the head from a mortar shell impact before being medically evacuated for urgent treatment at a military hospital.
Over 18,500 Zionist troops wounded since beginning of war
In a report earlier this week, the occupation recorded more than 18,500 injuries among its forces since the start of its war on the Gaza Strip, according to a report published on July 21 by Zionist Channel 12. The figures underscore the growing toll of nearly 10 months of warfare, with a significant number of those wounded suffering from both physical and psychological trauma.
According to the report, at least 12,500 troops sustained physical injuries, while more than 10,000 are dealing with post-traumatic stress and other psychological conditions, reflecting the intensity of combat and the deep mental strain within the ranks of the occupation forces.
The data revealed that 33% of the physical injuries involved the limbs, 13% affected the head, eyes, or ears, and 7% were related to the spine, neck, or back, which are injuries typically associated with high-intensity urban warfare and repeated exposure to explosions.
Hamas rejects US accusations
The Palestinian Resistance party Hamas has rejected accusations by US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff that it is unwilling to pursue a ceasefire in Gaza, affirming its continued commitment to “serious and responsible” negotiations aimed at ending the aggression that began on October 7, 2023.
In an official statement early on Friday, Hamas emphasized that it had submitted its latest response to mediators following “extensive consultations with Palestinian factions, friendly countries, and all concerned parties.” The movement said it had shown flexibility throughout the negotiation process, responding positively to suggestions aimed at overcoming obstacles to a “just and comprehensive” agreement.
The group stressed that its priority remains “ending the aggression, lifting the siege, and reaching a stable and lasting agreement that preserves the rights and sacrifices of the Palestinian people.”
US envoy’s remarks dismissed as inaccurate
Hamas expressed surprise at Witkoff’s recent remarks, in which he accused the group of lacking seriousness and claimed that its latest response showed it was not interested in de-escalation. Hamas described these comments as “inaccurate” and “not reflective of the truth,” noting that the mediators themselves had “welcomed and expressed satisfaction” with the Palestinian response — in stark contrast to Washington’s portrayal.
The US and Zionist delegations had recently withdrawn from indirect negotiations in Doha, citing what Witkoff described as Hamas’s failure to coordinate a unified Palestinian position. He also criticized the movement for allegedly reversing previously agreed-upon elements of a phased truce.
Focus on aid, withdrawal maps, guarantees
Palestinian sources close to the negotiations said that Hamas’ response focused primarily on three issues: securing the regular entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, clarifying the maps of Zionist military withdrawal, and obtaining credible international guarantees to ensure a permanent ceasefire.
Hamas reportedly refused alterations made to the US-backed proposal, which Resistance sources say shrinks a proposed 60-day truce down to just one week without guarantees on prisoner releases, reconstruction, or long-term de-occupation commitments.
Earlier frameworks, initially presented in January and backed by Qatar and Egypt, had included the release of all hostages in stages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian detainees, as well as the phased withdrawal of Zionist forces and international mechanisms for Gaza’s reconstruction. However, the new framework, which bears the imprint of the Netanyahu government and US envoy Steve Witkoff, appears to fall short of those understandings.
Hamas affirms continued engagement
Despite the diplomatic fallout, Hamas reiterated that it remains committed to engaging seriously in the negotiations. “We are determined to reach an agreement that serves our people and ends the aggression,” the movement affirmed in its statement.
The Gaza Strip remains under intensified Israeli bombardment and siege, with the humanitarian situation deteriorating rapidly. Aid access remains intermittent, and ceasefire talks are the only avenue to halting the months-long Zionist military campaign that has displaced over 80% of Gaza’s population and caused unprecedented destruction.
Ansarallah calls for open borders to allow fighters into battle
As part of Yemen’s support front, the Yemeni Armed Forces carried out 11 operations with hypersonic missiles and drones against Zionist targets in occupied Palestine, the leader of the Ansar Allah movement, Sayyed Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, announced.
In his weekly speech addressing the latest developments regarding the aggression on the Gaza Strip, as well as international and regional events, Sayyed al-Houthi stated that since Yemen began its operations in support of Gaza, a total of 1,679 operations have been carried out, in which a myriad of missiles, drones, and USVs were deployed.
Furthermore, he reiterated the movement’s commitment to strengthening its military capabilities, vowing that future actions would be “more effective in punishing and pressuring the Zionist enemy.”
The Yemeni Resistance leader also noted that the maritime blockade on the occupation remains in place, asserting that the port of Umm al-Rashrash, in southern occupied Palestine, has once again been completely shut down as a result.
Open borders for Yemenis
Sayyed al-Houthi renewed his appeal to the governments of countries geographically located between Yemen and Palestine to “open passageways for our people,” so that Yemenis mobilize in the hundreds of thousands in support of Gaza.
“Opening those corridors is something we wish for and continue to pursue,” he added.
Calls for unprecedented turnout
Sayyed al-Houthi called for an “unprecedented” mass mobilization across Yemen on Friday, urging the public for a massive turnout in a show of solidarity with Gaza. “This must be a historic turnout,” he said, “especially in light of the disgraceful silence and complicity of most Islamic governments.”
He affirmed that Yemen’s position remains unchanged despite US, British, and Zionist aggression and that economic warfare, siege, and media campaigns have failed to weaken the resolve of the Yemeni people.
‘Shameful Silence’ amid Gaza famine
Addressing the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, the Yemeni Resistance leader criticized international organizations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for what he described as a “shameful” failure to act.
“With Gaza under siege and famine spreading, it is a huge disgrace that the international community and Islamic institutions remain inactive,” he said.
Sayyed al-Houthi added that Palestinians in Gaza feel abandoned not only by the international community but first and foremost by Arab and Muslim countries. “The responsibility lies with them before anyone else,” he concluded.