Israeli Forces Suffer Heavy Losses in Gaza as Conflict Escalates

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported the deaths of eight Israeli soldiers in the southern Gaza Strip as the conflict with Hamas escalates. The forces continued to push in and around the southern city of Rafah, causing strikes that hit several areas of Gaza and resulting in the deaths of at least 19 Palestinians.

According to reports, the armed wing of Hamas claimed responsibility for ambushing an armored personnel carrier in the Tel Al-Sultan area, resulting in casualties among the Israeli soldiers. Israeli tanks further advanced in Tel Al-Sultan, while shells landed in the coastal area, where thousands of displaced Palestinians sought refuge.

Humanitarian Impact

Despite international pressure for a ceasefire, an agreement to halt the fighting remains elusive more than eight months since the start of the conflict in October. Israeli air strikes on two houses in Gaza City suburbs resulted in the deaths of at least 15 people, with four others killed in separate attacks in the south.

Israeli Military Operations

The IDF reported capturing large quantities of weapons in Rafah, including those concealed in the extensive tunnel network built by Hamas. It was also noted that militants had fired rockets from the humanitarian area in central Gaza, further exacerbating the situation.

The Islamic Jihad armed wing, Al-Quds Brigades, declared that Israel could only regain its hostages in Gaza if it ceased the war and pulled out its forces from the enclave. This statement was made in a video posted on Telegram, emphasizing the demands of the smaller ally of Hamas.

Deadly Toll

Amidst the conflict, more than 37,296 Palestinians, with at least 30 of them in the past 24 hours, have been reported killed in Israel's military campaign to eliminate Hamas, as per the Gaza health ministry.