Eight Israeli soldiers were killed today in a daring ambush by Hamas militants in the southern Gaza Strip.
The attack, which occurred in the Tal as-Sultan district of Rafah city, marks one of the deadliest incidents for Israeli forces in recent months amid ongoing conflict.
The Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, claimed responsibility for the assault, describing it as a "complex ambush" targeting Israeli military vehicles.
Initial reports indicated that Hamas fighters utilized rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) to target an Israeli D9 military bulldozer, causing casualties among the soldiers inside.
Following the initial strike, a subsequent Israeli "rescue force" dispatched to the scene was also ambushed, resulting in the destruction of their vehicle and the tragic loss of all occupants.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the deaths of the eight soldiers without providing further details on the circumstances of the incident.
"This attack underscores the ongoing intensity and risks faced by our soldiers in Gaza," stated Daniel Hagari, a spokesperson for the IDF, in a televised address. "We are committed to investigating this incident thoroughly to understand how it transpired."
Today's casualties add to the toll of over 300 Israeli troops killed and thousands wounded since the ground invasion of Gaza commenced on October 27. In response to escalating violence, calls for a ceasefire are expected to intensify, compounded by public outcry in Israel over the loss of life.
The incident echoes a similar deadly attack in January, where 21 Israeli soldiers were killed in a single strike in central Gaza, highlighting the precarious and volatile nature of the ongoing conflict.
