Title: Dozens of Israeli Soldiers Killed in Combat in Gaza
More than a dozen Israeli soldiers were killed in combat in the Gaza Strip over the weekend, the Israeli military confirmed on Sunday. These are some of the deadliest days of battle since Israel’s ground offensive began and demonstrate that Hamas continues to put up resistance despite weeks of brutal war.
The number of soldiers killed is likely to have an impact on Israeli public support for the war. The war was ignited when Hamas-led militants attacked communities in southern Israel on Oct. 7, resulting in 1,200 deaths and 240 hostages. The conflict has ravaged parts of the Gaza Strip, leaving over 20,000 dead Palestinians and nearly 85% of Gaza’s population displaced.
Soldiers’ deaths are a sensitive and emotional topic in Israel, and every family knows a relative, friend, or co-worker who has lost a family member in a war.
The 13 Israeli soldiers killed on Friday and Saturday died in battles in central and southern Gaza, indicating that Hamas continues to put up stiff resistance. Additionally, four soldiers were killed when their vehicle was struck by an anti-tank missile, while another was killed in northern Israel by fire from Hezbollah.
Many Israelis have expressed anger at the government for failing to protect civilians on Oct. 7 and enabling Hamas to gain strength.
Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari stated that forces are expanding their offensive in northern and southern Gaza and fighting in “complex areas” in Khan Younis, Gaza’s second-largest city, where they believe Hamas leaders are hiding.
The conflict has taken a staggering toll on Palestinian civilians, with more than two-thirds of the 20,000 killed being women and children. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported the death of a 13-year-old boy in an Israeli drone attack at al-Amal hospital in Khan Younis.
Rescuers and hospital officials reported over 90 Palestinian deaths in Israeli airstrikes on two homes in Gaza on Saturday. Israel has faced criticism for the rising civilian death toll, but it blames Hamas for the casualties, citing the militants’ use of residential areas.
Despite calls for a cease-fire and humanitarian aid, the U.S. has remained firmly supportive of Israel. This comes as the mounting casualties on both sides occurred after a U.N. resolution calling for humanitarian aid for Palestinians but not for a cease-fire.
The war in Gaza has caused unprecedented suffering and raised international pressure on Israel, but it continues to press forward with the offensive.
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Shurafa reported from Rafah, Gaza Strip. Magdy reported from Cairo.