GAZA, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- Hamas' armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, said on Monday its fighters killed three Israeli soldiers and "rescued" Palestinians held by Israeli forces in a house in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza Strip.

In a statement, Al-Qassam said its members "stabbed and killed three Israeli soldiers who were on a mission to protect a building." It added that Hamas fighters also seized the Israeli soldiers' weapons and freed several Palestinians held captive.

The Israeli military did not immediately comment.

Israel's state-owned Kan TV news reported that three soldiers and officers from the Kfir Brigade were killed by the detonation of an explosive device targeting a military force in northern Gaza.

Israel launched a large-scale military offensive against Hamas in Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023, following a cross-border attack by the Islamist group into southern Israel.

Israeli authorities say the Hamas attack killed more than 1,200 people and saw hostages taken back to Gaza. Palestinian health authorities say the ensuing Israeli offensive has killed more than 45,000 Palestinians and caused widespread destruction to homes and infrastructure. Enditem

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