Deadliest day for Israeli forces in Gaza since Oct 7 as 24 soldiers killed in a day

Pic/AFP

Monday marked the deadliest day for Israeli forces in Gaza, as 24 soldiers were killed, making it the highest casualty toll since the initiation of their ground operation. Among the casualties were 21 reservists who were killed in an explosion.

Daniel Hagari, the spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), indicated that a rocket-propelled grenade, fired by Palestinian armed fighters, struck a tank near two buildings occupied by the soldiers. Hagari further suggested that the buildings likely exploded due to mines intentionally placed by Israeli forces for demolition purposes.

The incident occurred in central Gaza, near the Kissufim kibbutz on the Israeli side of the border, during an operation aimed at enabling the safe return of residents to southern Israel. These residents had been evacuated following the Hamas attack on October 7.

In a separate attack in southern Gaza on the same day, three officers were confirmed dead. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged Monday's deaths as "one of the most difficult days since the war erupted," emphasizing a commitment to continue the fight until achieving "absolute victory."

President Isaac Herzog extended condolences, acknowledging the "unbearably difficult morning" upon learning the extent of the death toll. The IDF is currently conducting an investigation to uncover the details surrounding the incidents.

Since the commencement of the ground invasion on October 27, a total of 217 soldiers have been reported killed, out of 545 since October 7, according to the IDF.

The Palestinian health ministry reports that at least 25,295 people, primarily women and children, have been killed in the Israeli military campaign in Gaza since then.

Also read: Israel rejects Hamas's call to end Gaza war

Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces said on Tuesday said that dozens of Hamas militants were killed in the past 24 hours as the Israeli forces encircled Khan Yunus.

Khan Yunus is Gaza's second largest city and is regarded as a personal stronghold of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, whose family lives there.

Over the past day, IDF ground troops engaged in close-quarters combat, directed air strikes, and used intelligence to coordinate fire, resulting in the killing of dozens of militants.

The IDF targeted militant cells carrying RPGs near the troops, those launching anti-tank missiles, and terror operatives who had rigged compounds with explosives. Ready-to-launch rockets, military compounds, shafts, and numerous weapons were located during the activity. (With inputs from agencies)