Israeli army announced on Tuesday that 24 soldiers lost their lives, marking the highest single-day casualties since the initiation of the ground war in Gaza. The escalating toll intensifies pressure on the government to seek resolution in the ongoing conflict.
The devastating clashes coincided with the arrival of a White House official in the region for talks aimed at securing more hostage releases. Simultaneously, US media reported a new Israeli proposal suggesting a two-month pause in fighting as part of a potential deal.
On Monday, 24 soldiers, including 21 reservists, were killed, according to army spokesman Daniel Hagari. The reservists fell victim to rocket-propelled grenade fire when attempting to demolish a tank and two buildings.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the severity of the situation, revealing that the army has initiated an investigation into what he referred to as a “disaster.” The toll of more than 200 soldiers since the commencement of ground operations in Gaza underscores the urgency to safeguard military lives.
The mounting Israeli casualties prompt public demands for clarity on the operation’s purpose and goals in Gaza. Israela Oron, an analyst at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, stated that the nation mourns the soldiers, expecting unequivocal answers from the government.
Updating the situation on Tuesday, the Israeli army reported that its forces had “encircled” Khan Yunis and intensified operations in the densely populated city after eliminating dozens of fighters in the past 24 hours.
Witnesses reported significant explosions in Khan Yunis, Deir al-Balah in north Gaza, and Rafah in the south. Medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) expressed the ground-shaking impact on their staff at Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, highlighting a sense of panic among staff, patients, and displaced individuals sheltering inside the building.
In a distressing development, the Palestinian Red Crescent reported that Israeli forces targeted its headquarters in Khan Yunis, resulting in injuries among internally displaced individuals seeking safety on the premises. The humanitarian impact of the conflict on civilians continues to escalate, raising concerns about the intensifying crisis.
