Eight Israeli soldiers were tragically killed in southern Gaza on Saturday while riding in an armored vehicle, the Israeli military confirmed. The incident occurred during the ongoing Israeli offensive in the city of Rafah, where the troops were operating in the northwest part of Tel al-Sultan, a neighborhood in western Rafah.
The soldiers, who belonged to the military’s engineering corps, were riding in the armored vehicle when it was hit by an explosion. It is still unclear whether the blast was caused by an explosive device or anti-tank missile fire, according to Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the Israeli military spokesman.
Hamas, the Palestinian armed group, claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that its militants had fired anti-tank missiles at Israeli military vehicles in western Rafah. The explosion not only damaged the vehicle but also ignited munitions inside, making it difficult to find and identify the bodies of the soldiers.
The death toll in Gaza has been steadily rising since the conflict began more than eight months ago, with over 36,000 people killed, according to Palestinian health officials. Israel has been engaged in a fierce battle with Hamas, aiming to defeat the organization, rescue hostages, and ensure the safety of its citizens.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his condolences for the fallen soldiers and reiterated Israel’s commitment to its military goals. However, there has been criticism from some sectors of Israeli society, urging for a different approach to resolving the conflict with Hamas.
As the situation in Gaza remains tense, Israeli forces continue their operations in Rafah, targeting tunnels used by Hamas to smuggle weapons. The town of Beit Jann, home to Arab Israelis who adhere to the Druze faith, mourned the loss of one of the soldiers, highlighting the impact of the conflict on communities across Israel.
The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing violence in the region and the toll it takes on both Israeli and Palestinian lives. The search for a lasting solution to the conflict remains elusive, as both sides continue to suffer the consequences of the long-standing conflict.
