21 Israeli Soldiers Killed in Hamas Attack... Largest Death Toll Since War Began

According to local media reports on the 23rd (local time), 21 Israeli soldiers conducting operations near the Gaza Strip were killed simultaneously in a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) attack by Hamas.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari stated that the building collapsed due to a Hamas grenade attack in Kisufim, about 600 meters from the separation barrier in central Gaza Strip, resulting in the deaths of 21 soldiers. Hagari said, "Around 4 p.m. yesterday, terrorists fired grenades that hit a tank protecting the soldiers. At the same time, two two-story buildings collapsed." He explained that most of the deceased soldiers were inside the buildings to dismantle structures for the creation of a buffer zone.

He added, "The explosion that caused the building collapse appears to have been triggered by explosives planted by our forces for demolition purposes," and "The exact cause of the explosion is under investigation."

Earlier, the Israeli military announced that three officers from the airborne brigade were killed in a separate combat situation the previous day. The total number of Israeli military casualties on the 22nd was 24. This is the highest daily death toll since the ground offensive in the Gaza Strip to eliminate Hamas began in earnest last November. The cumulative number of Israeli ground forces killed has risen to 219.

Despite internal and external pressure to halt the war and negotiate the release of hostages, the Israeli leadership remains determined not to stop the war. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant posted on social media platform X, "A difficult and painful morning," but emphasized, "This war is a variable that will determine Israel's fate for decades to come. The sacrifice of our soldiers makes achieving our war objectives even more urgent." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also said, "We experienced the toughest day since the start of the war yesterday," and added, "In the names of the heroes and for our lives, we will not stop fighting until we achieve absolute victory."

Meanwhile, the Israeli military announced that it has surrounded Khan Yunis, the largest city in southern Gaza Strip, and is attacking Hamas strongholds within the city center.