In a tragic turn of events, twenty-four Israeli soldiers lost their lives in what has been declared Israel's deadliest day in Gaza, the military confirmed on Tuesday. The casualties occurred as Israeli forces surrounded the main city in southern Gaza, trapping Palestinian residents attempting to flee the conflict.
Military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari revealed that 21 soldiers were killed when two mined buildings exploded after militants fired at a nearby tank. An additional three soldiers lost their lives in a separate attack. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, "Yesterday we experienced one of our most difficult days since the war erupted. In the name of our heroes, for the sake of our lives, we will not stop fighting until absolute victory."
Despite media reports suggesting a potential ceasefire, Israeli government spokesperson Eylon Levy asserted that the war's objectives remained unchanged. "The destruction of Hamas' governing and military capabilities in the Gaza Strip and the return of all the hostages," Levy stated. He emphasized that there would be no ceasefire that left hostages in Gaza and Hamas in power.
Efforts to free over 100 Israeli hostages, taken to Gaza following the October 7 rampage that triggered the war, were not elaborated upon by Levy, who underscored that lives were at stake.
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) initiated their most extensive operation in a month to seize remaining parts of Khan Younis, Gaza's main southern city. The military claimed to have "eliminated" dozens of fighters during the operation. Israeli tanks advancing towards the Mediterranean blocked the road to the coast, obstructing the escape route for civilians attempting to reach Rafah, the last town on Gaza's southern edge.
At least 195 Palestinians lost their lives in the past 24 hours, bringing the documented toll to 25,490, according to Palestinian health officials. Hospitals, besieged by advancing Israeli forces, are facing challenges in rescuing the dead and wounded.
The funeral processions for the fallen soldiers took place across Israel, with families and friends mourning their loss. Israel's military chief of staff, Herzi Halevi, acknowledged the painful price of war but emphasized its vital and just nature.
While the war maintains overwhelming public support in Israel, discontent is emerging with Netanyahu's strategy. The Prime Minister's recent statement on retaining security control over the entire territory west of the Jordan River, conflicting with Palestinian sovereignty, has added complexity to the ongoing conflict.