Hamas' Largest Naval Breach: Engaging in Clashes in Zikim and Launching Intense Strikes on Tel Aviv

 Hamas' Largest Naval Breach: Engaging in Clashes in Zikim and Launching Intense Strikes on Tel Aviv

The military wing of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), known as the Al-Qassam Brigades, announced that a naval force of its fighters successfully infiltrated the shores of Zikim, south of Ashkelon, engaging in clashes with Israeli forces. Meanwhile, the Israeli military confirmed the killing of several infiltrators.

The Al-Qassam Brigades stated that a group of "human frogs" managed to "seaborne infiltration and landing on the occupied Zikim beaches, currently engaging in armed clashes with the Israeli military in that area."

Al-Jazeera correspondent Elias Karam reported that this naval breach could be one of the most significant actions carried out by the resistance since the beginning of the Israeli war on Gaza following the "Tofan Al-Aqsa" operation on October 7th of this year, which also witnessed resistance fighters infiltrating Zikim's shores.

Sirens were sounded twice in the settlements of Zikim and Karmia during this infiltration. The correspondent noted that previous infiltration attempts were executed by a few resistance elements, but this time, the number of infiltrators appears to be substantial, according to Israeli media reports.

On the other hand, an Israeli military spokesperson announced the thwarting of the infiltration operation at Zikim Beach, without disclosing details regarding the operation's scale or the number of participants.

The spokesperson stated that Palestinian naval commandos infiltrated through an underwater tunnel to the sea and then to Zikim's beach.

Israeli Channel 12 reported that at least 10 militants were killed by Israeli naval fire, while Channel 14 stated that clashes are ongoing in the area.

Widespread Search Operation

According to Al-Jazeera's correspondent, the Israeli army has urged residents of the Zikim and Karmia settlements to seek shelter, indicating the continuation of extensive search operations within a radius of approximately 6 kilometers. The Israeli military has deployed substantial forces in the area in preparation for a potential ground assault on the Gaza Strip.

The correspondent added that reports from the region suggest the possibility of Al-Qassam forces successfully penetrating 3 to 4 kilometers deep and engaging Israeli soldiers.

The Israeli air and naval forces have participated in containing and countering the operation, with airstrikes targeting an underground tunnel believed to be the launching point for some of the infiltrators.

This development underscores the Al-Qassam Brigades' capability to execute a high-impact operation despite being aware of the size of the Israeli forces deployed in the area. It highlights their ability to keep the Israeli military occupied both on land and at sea along the borders of the Gaza Strip, even before a ground operation commences.

Intense Missile Strikes

On another front, Palestinian resistance launched a heavy barrage of missile strikes targeting Greater Tel Aviv and surrounding towns to the north, east, and south, according to the Israeli military.

Israeli media reported injuries resulting from these strikes, including an attack on Ben Gurion Airport. Channel 12 reported that a missile salvo hit at least two houses in the Alfei Menashe settlement in the northern West Bank.

The Israeli military spokesperson, Brigadier General Daniel Hagari, stated that Hamas remains capable of launching rockets, emphasizing that Israel will not be complacent. He added that the army anticipes an extended period of operations, and its actions will be guided by political-level decisions.