Intense fighting reported in Gaza, as Katz says combat has ‘heavy prices’

By Emanuel Fabian

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25 April 2025, 7:18 pm 7 Edit

Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent

IDF troops operate in the Gaza Strip, in a handout photo published on April 18, 2025. (Israel Defense Forces)

Amid intense fighting in the Gaza Strip, Defense Minister Israel Katz in a post on X says, “the achievements are great, but still, the dangers are great and the prices are heavy.”

In recent hours, there have been reports of major strikes in both northern and southern Gaza.

“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,” he says.

Katz says the IDF is operating with “intensity” to ensure ground troops are protected.

“All Israeli citizens must embrace and strengthen IDF commanders and soldiers and pray for their safety and success,” he adds.