Israel-Gaza War: 24 Soldiers Killed in Gaza in One Day – IDF Says
The Israeli army reported on Monday the death of 24 soldiers in Gaza, marking the deadliest day for its forces since the commencement of their ground operation.
Among the casualties were 21 reservists who perished in an explosion likely caused by mines placed by Israeli forces in two buildings for demolition.
The explosion occurred in central Gaza close to the Kissufim kibbutz on the Israeli side of the border around 16:00 (14:00 GMT) during an operation aimed at allowing the safe return of southern Israel residents, who were evacuated after a Hamas attack on October 7.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is investigating the incident, suspecting that a missile fired by Palestinian armed fighters hit a tank guarding the troops just before the explosion.
In a separate attack in southern Gaza on the same day, three officers were confirmed dead. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that despite the suffering, Israel would continue its offensive until achieving “absolute victory.”
The IDF announced the complete encirclement of Khan Younis, a city in Gaza, which has been a major focus of the ground offensive targeting Hamas.
Fierce fighting ensued in the city’s south near three hospitals crowded with displaced people. Israel believes Hamas leaders may be hiding in Khan Younis, and it could be where some Israeli hostages are held.
The IDF reported numerous local gunmen killed, rockets found in launchers, tunnel shafts, and a substantial cache of weapons.
According to the Palestinians, women and children have been killed in the ongoing fighting, with blockades and hospital storming by Israeli forces leaving the wounded and dead beyond the reach of rescuers.
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Some hospitals, such as Al-Khair in the al-Mawasi area, were reportedly stormed by Israeli forces, resulting in staff arrests.
Since the beginning of Israel’s ground invasion on October 27, the IDF website reports 217 soldiers killed out of a total of 552 since October 7.
The Hamas-run health ministry claims at least 25,490 people, predominantly women and children, have been killed in the Israeli military campaign in Gaza since then.
(BBC)
