On Saturday, the Israel Defense Forces reported that eight of its soldiers were killed in southern Gaza, marking one of the deadliest single incidents involving its troops since October 7. The IDF has stated that the incident is currently under review, with various possible causes being investigated.
According to the Al Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, they carried out a complex ambush against Israeli vehicles in Tal al-Sultan, located west of the city of Rafah. The militant group claimed to have targeted a military bulldozer, causing it to catch fire and resulting in casualties among the crew. Subsequently, when rescue troops arrived, they attacked an armored personnel carrier, leading to the deaths of the soldiers.
Meanwhile, Israel has been conducting operations in the southern city of Rafah, with reports of airstrikes and artillery shelling since early morning. The Rafah Civil Defense has faced challenges in accessing the area to attend to appeals for collecting bodies and assisting the injured.
Tal al-Sultan has witnessed intense fighting, with Hamas fighters reportedly using Rocket Propelled Grenades and mortars to target Israeli tanks in the neighborhood. The IDF has discovered tunnels connecting adjacent houses that were utilized by militants as passageways.
Additionally, the Civil Defense Directorate in Gaza reported that at least 14 individuals, including seven children, were killed in Israeli strikes on central Gaza. The Ministry of Health in Gaza disclosed that a total of 30 people have lost their lives and 95 have been injured in the Gaza Strip within the past 24 hours. Since October 7, the ongoing bombardment by Israel has resulted in the deaths of 37,296 individuals and injuries to 85,197 in the enclave.
