Thousands attend funeral of Hamas soldiers in Gaza Strip

Rasa - Thousands of Palestinians and al-Qassam Brigade soldiers attend the funeral procession of six Qassam soldiers in Deir el-Balah in the central Gaza Strip after the group accused Israel of being behind their deaths.

News ID: 437536

Date: 06 May 2018 - 21:43

RNA - Hamas’ military wing force, al-Qassam Brigades, marched through the streets holding the coffins of the six soldiers. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh also attended the funeral. According to Gaza's Ministry of Health, the six soldiers died on Saturday evening following an explosion south of al-Nuseirat refugee camp.

Hamas leadership announced that an official statement is to follow. However, al-Qassam Brigades blamed Israel for "a heinous crime" targeting soldiers of their group during a "complex security and intelligence operation". But Tel Aviv denied the allegations.

The incident comes at a time of increased tensions in the region, due to US President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem al-Quds as the "capital" of Israel.

847/940