📷 Image Credits: India Today
In a tragic turn of events, Israel’s military confirmed that eight soldiers were killed in a deadly ambush in southern Gaza, near the Rafah border. This attack marks the deadliest incident involving Israeli forces in months, bringing the total number of soldiers killed fighting Hamas to 307. The army identified one of the fallen soldiers as 23-year-old Captain Wassem Mahmoud, a deputy commander in the Combat Engineering Corps. Details of the other soldiers have yet to be confirmed.
The fatal ambush took place inside an armored combat engineering vehicle as the troops were on their way to rest in buildings captured during an overnight operation. The convoy was struck by a major explosion, leading to the tragic loss of life. Hamas claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that its fighters had ambushed an armored personnel carrier in the Tel Al-Sultan area, resulting in casualties among Israeli soldiers.
As tensions escalate in the region, the Israeli military reported capturing large quantities of weapons hidden in the extensive tunnel network built by Hamas in Rafah. The ongoing conflict has taken a heavy toll on both sides, with airstrikes and ground offensives by Israel resulting in the deaths of over 37,000 Palestinians, displacing a significant portion of Gaza’s population.
World leaders have been calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, with Hamas advocating for a permanent end to the war and full Israeli withdrawal from the region. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains firm in his stance, refusing to halt the offensive until Hamas is eliminated. Efforts for a mediated ceasefire agreement by the US are currently underway.
The recent attack on Israeli soldiers underscores the continued violence and unrest in the region. The casualties serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict, prompting renewed calls for peace and stability in Gaza amidst the ongoing hostilities.
