Twenty-one Israeli soldiers were tragically killed during fighting in southern Gaza on Monday, marking the largest loss of life for Israeli troops in the battered enclave since the war with Hamas began. The soldiers were engaged in the task of removing structures and terrorist infrastructure when a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) was fired towards a tank protecting the unit. As a result, two two-story buildings collapsed due to an explosion, likely caused by explosives that had been laid by the Israeli troops themselves.
Israeli media reported that two soldiers in the tank were killed, while most of the Israeli forces who lost their lives were either inside or near the collapsed buildings. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), confirmed this information in a separate televised statement. The incident occurred as Israel appeared to be transitioning into a new phase of fighting in Gaza, with some soldiers being withdrawn and officials promising a less intense, more targeted approach.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his grief over the deaths of the soldiers, stating that it was one of the most difficult days since the outbreak of the war. In a post on X, Netanyahu conveyed his condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and acknowledged that their lives would be forever changed. He also mentioned that an investigation into the incident had been launched by the IDF.
The cause of the building explosion is still unclear, according to the IDF spokesperson who spoke to CNN. While all families have been notified about the incident, only 10 names have been released so far. Additionally, another soldier sustained serious injuries in the same incident. This tragic event brings the total number of Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza since the start of operations to 219.
In recent weeks, the Israeli military has focused its efforts on southern Gaza, particularly around the city of Khan Younis. The IDF announced on Tuesday that the city is now surrounded, while the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry reported nearly 200 deaths in the past day alone. The IDF stated that “dozens of terrorists” had been killed in the past 24 hours through the joint efforts of ground troops and the Israeli air force. The area targeted, Khan Younis, is a significant stronghold of Hamas’ Khan Younis Brigade.
As the conflict in Gaza continues to escalate, the loss of these 21 Israeli soldiers serves as a stark reminder of the high human cost of war. The international community watches with concern as both sides engage in fierce battles, hoping for a swift resolution that will bring peace to the region.
