In a dramatic turn of events on Monday, the Israeli army faced its deadliest day in Gaza since the commencement of its ground operation. According to official reports, 24 soldiers were killed, marking a devastating setback for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The toll included 21 reservists who lost their lives in a tragic explosion, likely caused by mines strategically placed by Israeli forces in two buildings slated for demolition.
The IDF initially attributed the explosion to rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) fire, explaining that a militant squad surprised the force with RPG attacks. The first rocket struck one of the buildings containing explosives, leading to a catastrophic chain reaction that resulted in the collapse of the targeted structure and an adjacent building. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, an IDF spokesperson, detailed the sequence of events, highlighting the challenges faced by the reservists involved in the operation.
The incident unfolded in central Gaza near the kibbutz of Kissufim, where the reservists were engaged in an operation to facilitate the safe return of residents from southern Israel. This evacuation had become necessary following a previous Hamas attack on October 7. The casualties add to the mounting toll of the conflict, which has witnessed persistent violence and clashes between Israeli forces and Hamas militants.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed determination to press on with the offensive despite the significant loss, emphasizing Israel’s commitment to achieving “absolute victory.” This resolute stance underscores the gravity of the ongoing conflict and the strategic objectives pursued by Israel.
Meanwhile, fierce fighting erupted around three hospitals in Khan Younis, a city in southern Gaza that has become a focal point of the IDF’s ground offensive against Hamas. The IDF announced the complete encirclement of the city, suspecting it to be a potential hiding place for Hamas leaders and Israeli hostages. Reports indicate that dozens of local gunmen were killed in the operation, and the IDF uncovered rockets in launch-ready positions, tunnel shafts, and a substantial cache of weapons.
The Palestinian side countered with reports of civilian casualties, including women and children, as a result of the latest fighting in Khan Younis. They decried Israeli blockades and the alleged storming of hospitals, hampering rescue efforts and leaving the wounded and dead beyond the reach of medical assistance. Hospitals, such as Nasser hospital, found themselves compelled to bury the deceased within their premises due to unsafe conditions for reaching the cemetery. Additionally, reports emerged of Israeli forces storming Al-Khair hospital in the al-Mawasi area, resulting in the arrest of staff members.
This latest development in the conflict adds another layer of complexity to an already tense situation. The roots of the conflict trace back to Israel’s declared aim of dismantling Hamas, following previous attacks that claimed the lives of 1,300 people, mostly civilians, and resulted in the abduction of around 250 others. Since the initiation of the ground invasion on October 27, the IDF website reports 217 soldiers killed, bringing the total to 552 casualties since October 7. The Hamas-run health ministry, on the other hand, claims that at least 25,490 people, primarily women and children, have been killed in the Israeli military campaign in Gaza since the beginning of the conflict. The stark disparity in casualty figures underscores the deep-seated complexities and humanitarian concerns surrounding the ongoing conflict.
