Hamas militia chief says his fighters ‘eager for death’

Muhammad Deif, the titular head of Hamas’s Al-Qassam Brigades, says in a recorded statement broadcast on Al Aqsa TV that his forces will not accede to a ceasefire until Israeli hostilities end and the siege on Gaza is lifted.

“The balance of power has changed,” Deif says, along with the release by Hamas of a video of its gunmen attacking an Israeli army position near Kibbutz Nir Oz.

“We see the barbaric attack and the killing of children. The enemy destroys our homes.”

“Israeli soldiers are up against soldiers who are eager for death and united forces,” Deif says. “The steadfastness of the Palestinian people is what will bring victory on the battlefield. The enemy is sending its soldiers to certain disaster.”

Channel 10’s military correspondent says the Nahal Oz video appears to be authentic.