Al-Qassam Website - These days mark the ninth anniversary of the 2014 Israeli occupation aggression on the Gaza Strip. During this period, the Palestinian resistance factions, with the Al-Qassam Brigades at the forefront, have defended the Palestinian people against the occupation forces' attacks.

Throughout the 51-day military offensive, the Israeli occupation committed brutal massacres against the Palestinians, resulting in the death of more than 1,742 individuals and the injury of thousands more. Additionally, extensive damage was inflicted upon infrastructure, public facilities, and homes, leaving approximately 100,000 Palestinians homeless.

The aggression devastated Gaza, with over 17,000 homes destroyed and numerous other buildings, including hospitals, schools, and factories, either destroyed or severely damaged.

Despite the appalling aggression and the international silence regarding Israeli occupation forces' atrocities, the Palestinian resistance valiantly defended its people and endeavoured to deter the Israeli occupation from further crimes against defenseless Palestinians.

Palestinian Resistance's Successful Defense

The retaliatory response of the Palestinians to the Israeli occupation authorities' aggression on the besieged enclave proved a significant enhancement of the Palestinian fight against the occupation. The Palestinian resistance targeted Israeli military sites and posts, launched attacks on Israeli forces by land and sea, and carried out strategic operations behind enemy lines, where Palestinian freedom fighters struck military targets.

Furthermore, the Palestinian resistance aimed homemade missiles at Israeli occupation sites and colonial settlements. To demonstrate the failure of the Israeli Iron Dome missile system, the Palestinian resistance announced its intention to strike Israeli military sites and settlements beforehand.

Simultaneously, the Al-Qassam Brigades conducted several notable operations that confounded the Israeli occupation, including successful raids on the 'Zikim' military base and 'Abu Mutaibq' military site, resulting in the deaths of six Israeli occupation soldiers.

'Nahal Oz' Military Base Heroic Operation

On July 20, 2014, the Israeli occupation launched airstrikes and artillery bombardment on the al-Shuja'iyya neighbourhood in eastern Gaza, resulting in the death of up to 74 Palestinians, including 17 children and 14 women. Hundreds others were injured, and thousands were displaced from their homes.

Eight days later, Palestinian freedom fighters executed an attack on a fortified Israeli military tower within the 'Nahal Oz' military base, leading to the killing of several Israeli occupation soldiers.

This heroic operation was a shock to the Israeli occupation, serving as a response to their atrocities against innocent Palestinians. Video footage released by Ezzedeen AL-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, depicted the cowardice of Israeli occupation forces in the face of Palestinian freedom fighters.

The Al-Qassam Brigades introduced their homemade multi-functional UAV drones, which entered service for the first time during the 2014 Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip.

Capture of Israeli Occupying Soldiers

On July 20, 2014, Abu Obaida, the spokesperson of the Al-Qassam Brigades, announced the capture of Zionist Israeli soldier Oron Shaul from his armoured personnel carrier while the Palestinian resistance was repelling an Israeli incursion in eastern Gaza.

On August 1, 2014, Zionist Israeli soldier Hadar Goldin went missing during an exchange of fire with Palestinian resistance fighters in the southern Gaza Strip, near Rafah, before the Brigades claimed responsibility for his capture.

Nine years have passed since the commencement of the 2014 Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, but the assaults persist. Nevertheless, the Palestinian resistance continues to defend its people by all available means, despite limited capabilities.

History has shown that people fighting for their rights ultimately prevail, even when confronted by more powerful and well-equipped assailants.