In a devastating incident on Monday, the southern Gaza Strip witnessed the loss of 21 Israeli soldiers, marking the deadliest event since the commencement of Israel’s ground offensive in the enclave. The incident occurred as buildings collapsed following an attack, raising questions about how these soldiers lost their lives and who is responsible.
How Did Israeli Soldiers Killed?
The tragedy unfolded as troops were rigging buildings for demolition, and Palestinian gunmen fired a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) at a tank securing the forces. The first RPG hit one of the buildings, triggering an explosion that caused its collapse. A subsequent blast, possibly from another RPG, led to the collapse of a second building. “Most of our fighters died because of the collapse of that building,” stated Daniel Hagari, spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Location and Timing
The deadliest attack occurred in central Gaza, a few hundred meters from the eastern border. This incident was part of the IDF’s efforts to dismantle “terror infrastructure and buildings,” as they laid explosives for demolition.
IDF’s Response
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed grief over the loss, stating, “I mourn for our fallen heroic soldiers. I hug the families in their time of need, and we all pray for the peace of our wounded.” The IDF initiated an investigation into the incident, attributing the attack to unidentified Palestinian militants.
21 Israeli Soldiers Killed in Gaza
The central Gaza attack, where the majority of casualties occurred, unfolded as IDF soldiers were laying explosives to demolish “terror infrastructure and buildings.” According to Hagari, the surprise attack by a terrorist squad launching missiles and rockets proved fatal for 21 soldiers, making it the deadliest single incident for the IDF in Gaza since the ground invasion began on October 27.
Ongoing Developments
The IDF is currently studying the incident, as Rear Admiral Hagari highlighted. Meanwhile, Israeli forces have been active in Gaza, reportedly killing over 100 militants in western Khan Younis in southern Gaza in the past 24 hours. The situation remains tense, with both sides grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event.
Who Killed 21 Soldiers in Gaza?
IDF’s Perspective
According to Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, Israeli military spokesperson, the RPG attack was orchestrated by militants, leading to the collapse of the buildings. “The strike caused that building and one next to it to collapse,” he explained. The military is still analyzing the incident, but initial findings suggest that most soldiers died due to the building’s collapse, while two securing the area in a tank were killed by a second rocket.
Hamas’s Claim
Hamas, in a released message accompanying a video, claimed responsibility for the attack. “Watch the execution by Al-Qassam Brigades fighters of a compound operation against the enemy soldiers and vehicles east of the Al-Maghazi refugee camp,” they stated. The video showcased the attack on Israeli forces.
Palestinian Health Ministry Statistics
As tensions persist in the region, the Hamas-controlled health ministry in Gaza reported that the number of Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks since October 7 has risen to 25,295, with at least 63,000 injuries recorded.
Conclusion
The tragic incident in Gaza, resulting in the loss of 21 Israeli soldiers, highlights the complex and tense situation in the region. The investigation by the IDF is ongoing, and as details emerge, a clearer picture of the events leading to this devastating attack may surface. The conflict continues to take a toll on both Israeli and Palestinian lives, underscoring the urgency for diplomatic solutions to bring about lasting peace in the region.
