Israel Faces Worst Single-Day Loss: 21 Soldiers Killed in Gaza Clash

In a significant loss for Israeli forces, 21 soldiers were killed in southern Gaza on Monday, marking the heaviest single-day toll for the Israeli military in the region since the onset of the war with Hamas.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the soldiers were engaged in dismantling structures and alleged terrorist facilities when they were attacked by a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) aimed at a tank assigned to protect them. Subsequently, two two-story buildings collapsed following an explosion, which the IDF suspects was triggered by explosives set by the Israeli troops themselves.

Reports from Israeli media indicate that two of the soldiers were in the tank at the time of the attack. The majority of the casualties occurred in or near the collapsed buildings, as detailed by IDF spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari in a televised address.

This incident occurs as Israel appears to be entering a new phase of the conflict, with some troops withdrawing from Gaza and a shift towards a more focused and less intense military strategy.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the gravity of the situation, describing it as “one of the most difficult days since the outbreak of the war.” In a post on X, he extended his condolences and support to the families of the fallen soldiers, acknowledging the permanent impact on their lives. Netanyahu also confirmed that the IDF has initiated an investigation into the circumstances of the incident.

The cause of the building explosion remains uncertain, as per the IDF spokesperson’s conversation with CNN on Tuesday. While all affected families have been notified, only 10 names of the deceased have been released. Another soldier was seriously injured in the same event, added Hagari.

Since the conflict began with Hamas’s attack on October 7, involving murders, kidnappings, and over 1,200 people killed in Israel, the death toll for Israeli soldiers in Gaza has risen to 219.

The focus of the Israeli military recently has been on southern Gaza, particularly around Khan Younis. The IDF has reported surrounding the city and, along with the Israeli air force, has been engaging in intense operations there, resulting in the deaths of numerous alleged terrorists.

A CNN source disclosed that a significant Israeli offensive is ongoing in western Khan Younis and is expected to continue for several more days. Israeli forces have reportedly encircled the Khan Younis refugee camp, conducting raids to target Hamas’s military presence.

The conflict has severely impacted medical facilities in the city, with Palestinian health officials reporting that hospitals are overwhelmed with patients and that intensive care units are at full capacity.

Despite Israel’s move towards a less intense phase of operations in Gaza, the humanitarian crisis in the region continues to escalate. The Hamas-controlled health ministry in Gaza reports that since October 7, Israeli attacks have resulted in 25,295 Palestinian deaths and at least 63,000 injuries.