The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that twenty-one soldiers were killed in the central Gaza Strip by Hamas terrorists using rocket-propelled grenades and anti-tank missiles.
The soldiers were working to clear threats near the Israeli border, aiming to create a buffer zone for the safety of Israeli communities.
This marked the deadliest day of the invasion, with the total number of Israeli soldiers killed since the counterattack exceeding 200.
“The war has a painful and heavy price,” Hagari stated, noting that soldiers were killed in order that “all of us can live here in peace and security.”
The Israeli Prime Minister expressed grief over the loss and emphasized the country’s commitment to achieving “total victory” in the ongoing war.
“Yesterday was one of the most difficult days since the outbreak of the war. We lost 24 of our best heroic sons who fell in defense of the homeland. Together with the citizens of Israel, I grieve for each one of them. I embrace the families, whose lives have changed forever,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated.
“From here we send from here prayers for the well-being of our wounded. The IDF is carrying out a thorough inquiry into the tragedy; we must learn the lessons and do everything for the well-being of our soldiers,” he said.
“We are in the midst of a war, the justification of which is without parallel. In this war there have been great achievements, including today, in completing the encirclement of Khan Yunis, but there have also been very heavy costs.”
“While we bow our heads in memory of our fallen, we are not relenting – even for a moment – in striving for the goal that has no alternative – achieving total victory. Together we will fight – and together we will win.”
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