Israeli forces were preparing explosives to destroy two buildings in the Maghazi refugee camp in central Gaza on Monday when a Hamas militant launched a grenade at a nearby tank, said Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari.
The blast triggered explosives that caused two two-story buildings to collapse on the soldiers, killing 21. Earlier, three soldiers were reported killed in a separate attack in southern Gaza. According to the Israeli military, at least 217 of its soldiers have been killed since the ground offensive began in late October.
An Israeli tank operates in central Gaza on January 22, 2024. Photo: Reuters
“Yesterday we experienced one of the most difficult days since the war broke out,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Israeli troops are now intensifying their siege of the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis. Palestinians say Israeli forces have been blockaded and attacking hospitals since Monday, leaving the wounded and dead beyond the reach of rescuers in the area.
At least 195 Palestinians were killed in the previous 24 hours, according to Palestinian health officials, bringing the recorded death toll to 25,490. They said thousands more may have died in the rubble.
The funeral of an Israeli soldier in Jerusalem on January 23, 2024. Photo: Reuters
The bodies were buried in the grounds of Khan Younis' main Nasser hospital because it was unsafe to go to the cemetery. Another Khan Younis hospital, Al-Khair, was also attacked by Israeli forces, according to Palestinian officials.
The Red Crescent said a tank shell hit its hospital headquarters, killing a civilian at the entrance, and Israeli forces fired from drones at anyone moving nearby, making the entire Khan Younis area unusable for ambulances.
Israel says Hamas militants operate in and around hospitals, making them legitimate targets. Hospital staff and Hamas deny this.
Hoang Hai (according to Reuters, AP)
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