Over 20 IDF soldiers dead in Hamas attack in central Gaza

The troops were operating in area around 600 meters from the border, destroying Hamas sites, according to IDF spokesperson

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Tuesday said that a total of 24 Israeli soldiers were dead in an incident that took place a day earlier in central Gaza – marking the highest one-day Israeli deaths since the conflict began.

According to the IDF Spokesperson Daniel Hagari cited by an Israeli media report, the troops were operating in an area around 600 meters from the border, targeting Hamas sites, as part of the army’s operations “to establish a buffer zone to allow residents of Israeli border communities to return to their homes.”

He further said that the blast was likely caused by mines planted by the troops to demolish the buildings, however, the investigations to determine the exact cause of the incident are underway.

Last week, Israel launched an attack on Khan Younis, which it claims is the principal headquarters of the Hamas militants responsible for the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel that killed over 1,000 people.

Israel has been waging a war on Gaza for months, resulting in the deaths of over 25,000 Palestinians.

Source: Newsroom