Hamas’ armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, said on 8 July that its fighters carried out a “composite” attack in the northern Gaza town of Beit Hanoun that it claims dealt a fresh blow to Israeli forces. In a statement on its Telegram channel, spokesman Abu Obaida declared that funerals for Israeli soldiers would become “a regular occurrence” as long as Israel continues its military campaign. Abu Obaida described the current phase of the conflict as a war of attrition stretching “from the north of the Strip to the south,” and warned that Hamas could capture more Israeli troops if ground operations persist. He called retaining Israeli units inside Gaza “the most foolish decision” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could make. Marking what Hamas says is the 640th day of the conflict, the group asserted that Israel has failed to break Gaza’s resistance or to free hostages by force, and that Israeli incursions have turned into “fields of death.” The Israeli military has not commented on the claims, which could not be independently verified.