Eight Israeli soldiers were killed in an ambush in southern Gaza near Rafah, with the Al Qassam Brigades claiming responsibility. The incident is being investigated by the Israel Defense Forces amidst ongoing heavy fighting in the region, potentially impacting calls for a ceasefire and military policies.
Eight Israeli Soldiers Killed in Southern Gaza During Ambush
On Saturday, eight Israeli soldiers were killed in southern Gaza, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The incident, which took place in Tal al-Sultan near Rafah, is under investigation by the IDF to determine its exact cause.
The Al Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, claimed responsibility for the attack. They stated that they executed a complex ambush targeting IDF vehicles. The militant group reported striking a military bulldozer, which resulted in a fire and subsequent casualties among its crew. When rescue efforts were initiated by IDF forces, an armored personnel carrier was also targeted, leading to the death of the soldiers involved.
This event is considered one of the deadliest for Israeli forces since October 7 and took place amid ongoing heavy fighting as Israeli troops continue their operations in Rafah. Additionally, Hamas claimed on Friday that its fighters had targeted Israeli tanks with Rocket-Propelled Grenades and mortars in the same area, while the IDF reported finding tunnels used by militants between neighboring houses.
The deaths of the soldiers have the potential to increase calls for a ceasefire and could impact Israeli public sentiment, particularly concerning military exemptions for the ultra-Orthodox community.
This ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. Israeli bombardment and ground offensives in Gaza since October 7 have caused the deaths of over 37,000 Palestinians, according to Palestinian health officials. The conflict began following a Hamas-led attack into Israeli territory, which left approximately 1,200 people dead and resulted in the capture of around 250 hostages.
The situation remains fluid, with further updates expected as investigations continue and the conflict unfolds.
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