24 soldiers killed in Gaza in deadliest day for Israeli forces

New Delhi, Jan 23: Gaza witnessed the deadliest day for Israeli forces since the commencement of their ground operation. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) reported that 21 reservists were among the casualties, succumbing to an explosion likely triggered by mines placed by Israeli forces in two buildings slated for demolition.

The incident occurred when a missile fired by Palestinian armed fighters struck a tank near the designated demolition sites. The IDF is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding this event.

The media reported that Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the IDF chief spokesman, revealed that the reservists lost their lives in central Gaza at approximately 16:00 hours on Monday, near the Israeli border near the Kissufim kibbutz.

They were part of an operation aimed at facilitating the safe return of residents to southern Israel, following the mass evacuations prompted by the Hamas attack on October 7.

Earlier on Monday, Israel’s military had confirmed the deaths of three officers in a separate attack in southern Gaza. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, expressing the gravity of the situation, referred to the day as “one of the most difficult” since the onset of the war. In a statement on social media, he wrote, “In the name of our heroes, for the sake of our lives, we will not stop fighting until absolute victory.”

According to the IDF website, the toll on Israeli forces since October 7 stands at 545 soldiers lost, while Hamas has reportedly claimed the lives of 1,300 civilians and kidnapped 240 others. The Gaza health ministry reports a toll of at least 25,295 casualties, in the ongoing Israeli military campaign in Gaza. The situation remains highly volatile, with both sides grappling with the devastating consequences of the conflict.