Hamas says its snipers shot Israeli soldier in Rafah as fighting rages

The armed wing of Hamas said on Friday that its fighters its snipers shot an Israeli soldier in Rafah as the ground offensive there is set to enter its third month. 

The announcement comes as fierce fighting between Palestinian groups and the Israeli army continues across the Gaza Strip wherever troops are present. 

Battles are ongoing in Rafah in southern Gaza and Shujaiya neighbourhood east of Gaza City in the north. 

At least nine soldiers have been killed in the last five days alone across the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and the northern boundary with Lebanon. More than 675 officers and soldiers have been killed since 7 October. 

The Israeli military said "some 100 gunmen" have been killed in the Shujaiya assault that was launched on 27 June. The military did not provide further evidence or details about its claim.