Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Report 24 Soldiers Fatally Casualties in Gaza Within a Single Day
The Israeli military reported that 24 soldiers were killed in Gaza on Monday, marking the deadliest day for its forces during the ground operation. Of the casualties, 21 were reservists who died in an explosion, likely triggered by mines placed by Israeli forces in two buildings slated for demolition. The incident occurred close to the kibbutz of Kissufim on the Israeli side of the border. A missile fired by Palestinian armed fighters hit a tank guarding the troops just before the explosion. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are investigating the incident.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, run by Hamas, 195 Palestinians were killed in the past day. The reservists killed were involved in an operation aimed at facilitating the safe return of residents to their homes in southern Israel, following mass evacuations prompted by a previous Hamas attack on October 7.
Funerals for those killed in the explosion took place at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, where mourners, many in military uniforms, gathered under rainy skies with blue and white Israeli flags.
Three officers were previously confirmed killed in a separate attack in southern Gaza on the same day. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that despite the suffering, Israel would continue its offensive until achieving “absolute victory.”
In Khan Younis, southern Gaza, three hospitals faced intense fighting amid the IDF’s ground offensive targeting Hamas. The IDF reported encircling the city, suspecting it as a potential hiding place for Hamas leaders and Israeli hostages. The operation resulted in the deaths of local gunmen, the discovery of rockets, tunnel shafts, and numerous weapons. Palestinians claimed civilian casualties, particularly among women and children, and reported difficulties in rescuing the wounded and retrieving the dead due to Israeli blockades and the storming of hospitals.
Allegations were made that Israeli forces stormed Al-Khair hospital in the al-Mawasi area, arresting staff. Israel initiated the war with the stated objective of destroying Hamas after previous attacks resulted in civilian casualties and hostages.
As per the IDF website, 217 soldiers have been killed since the ground invasion began on October 27, totaling 552 deaths since October 7. The Hamas-run health ministry reported at least 25,490 casualties, primarily women and children, in Gaza since the start of the Israeli military campaign.
