ANKARA

Seven Israeli soldiers were wounded on Friday night after an armored personnel carrier they were traveling in ran over an explosive device on the outskirts of Gaza City, according to the Israeli Army Radio.

The Israeli public broadcaster KAN stated that one of the soldiers sustained moderate injuries while the remaining six were lightly wounded.

No further details were provided by Israeli authorities.

On late Friday, Israeli media reported that fierce battles, accompanied by airstrikes and heavy artillery fire, took place in Gaza City's outer neighborhoods as Israel attempts to occupy the city.

Reports circulated on social media suggest security incidents in Gaza that resulted in the death of Israeli soldiers, though official sources have not confirmed the reports.

Israel's current attacks are part of Operation Gideon 2, approved by Defense Minister Israel Katz on Aug. 21, to occupy Gaza City. The operation continues with large-scale attacks that began two weeks ago in the Zeitoun neighborhood, extending to Sabra.

Israel has declared the area a "dangerous combat zone" while intensifying bombardments since early Thursday.

Israel has killed more than 63,000 Palestinians in Gaza since October 2023. The military campaign has devastated the enclave, which is facing famine.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.