The Israeli Occupation prepared to announce the defeat of Hamas' military wing, the Qassam Brigades, after the battle of Rafah. This expected declaration came amid possible escalation with Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The "Israeli" Broadcasting Authority claimed the announcement would occur soon. Channel 13 reported that the Israeli Occupation army warned it might struggle to complete its missions due to the reduction of service time from 32 months to 30.

The Israeli Occupation acknowledged an increase in casualties from its ongoing assault on Gaza, which entered its 259th day. The Qassam Brigades ambushed and killed an officer and a soldier, injuring eight others in southern Gaza on Thursday.

The Israeli Occupation identified the casualties as Sergeant Major (Reserve) Omar Samadja and Sergeant Major (Reserve) Saadia Yaacov Diri, who were killed in the Gaza clashes.