Israeli defence minister says combat in Gaza has 'heavy prices'

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are paying a heavy price for their military successes against Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Friday.

"Thousands of IDF soldiers in the standing army and reserves are now heroically fighting in Gaza for the release of hostages and to destroy Hamas terrorists," Katz said in a post on X.

"The achievements are great, but still, the dangers are great and the prices are heavy," the defence minister added.

The comments came after the Israeli military confirmed that one soldier was killed in fighting on Thursday, while another was seriously wounded on Friday.

"All Israeli citizens must embrace and strengthen IDF commanders and soldiers and pray for their safety and success," Katz said.

Shortly after Katz's statement, the IDF warned residents in the Zeitoun neighbourhood of Gaza City to evacuate ahead of an imminent strike.

Israel has recently intensified its attacks on Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

The stated intention is to smash the Palestinian Islamist militia and free the last Israeli hostages being held by them.

Israeli authorities believe 24 hostages are still alive in the Gaza Strip, while Hamas and its allies hold the bodies of 35 others.

They were kidnapped by Hamas terrorists during the unprecedented attack on October 7, 2023, when some 1,200 people were killed in Israeli communities and more than 250 Israelis taken hostage.

According to the Hamas-controlled health authority in the Gaza Strip, 51,439 people have been killed since then. The figures do not distinguish between civilian and militant deaths.

The Israeli military says over 400 of its soldiers have died in the fighting.