In a tragic turn of events, four Israeli soldiers were killed in an explosion in Gaza’s far-southern city of Rafah. The incident, which occurred during ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, has heightened tensions in the region.
The Israeli military confirmed the deaths, stating that the soldiers were “killed in fighting in south Gaza” without providing further details. However, Israeli public broadcaster Kan reported that the soldiers were killed in an explosion in a building, adding to the complexity of the situation.
Hamas’s armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that their fighters had “booby-trapped” a building in the Shabura refugee camp in Rafah. The group’s statement indicated that they targeted an Israeli force inside the building, resulting in casualties among the Israeli soldiers.
Reports from The Times of Israel indicated that in addition to the fatalities, seven soldiers were wounded in the blast, with five of them in serious condition. This incident adds to the toll of casualties in the ongoing conflict, with the Israeli military reporting 298 overall losses since the ground offensive in Gaza began.
The conflict has been marked by intense street fighting in Rafah, with the Israeli military launching a controversial ground assault on the city. Foreign governments, including allies of Israel like the United States, have expressed concerns about civilian safety, as many Palestinian civilians have been displaced and sought refuge amid the escalating violence.
The Gaza war, triggered by Hamas’s attack on Israel, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. The death toll, primarily civilians according to various sources, highlights the devastating impact of the conflict on the region’s population.
Sources By Agencies
