Eight soldiers from Israel perish in the Gaza Strip; fresh demonstrations erupt against Netanyahu
Intense clashes have taken the lives of eight soldiers, as per the military statement, following an armored vehicle explosion close to Rafah, a city witnessing intense fighting between Israeli soldiers and radical Palestinians. Reports from news agency AFP indicate regular street battles between Israeli forces and Palestinians. The international community heavily critical of Israel's intervention in Rafah, where many Palestinians from varied regions of Gaza Strip seek refuge.
Daniel Hagari, military spokesperson, stated during a televised press conference that the explosion was potentially due to a bomb in the area or a panzer rocket. Families of the deceased have been informed.
The tragedy marks one of the highest death tolls for Israeli troops on a single day since the start of the war against radical Islamic Hamas. As per official records, 306 Israeli soldiers have perished since Israeli ground troops entered the Gaza Strip on October 27.
Expressing sorrow over the soldiers' death, Prime Minister Netanyahu stated, "Our hearts are shattered by this grave loss." Despite the hefty and disturbing price, he vowed to uphold the war's goals. Netanyahu seeks to withdraw Israeli troops from Gaza only when Hamas is completely eradicated.
In Israel, growing questions are raised against this approach. Thousands protested against Netanyahu and his Gaza policy again on Saturday, demanding fresh elections, stronger efforts for the release of Hamas-abducted hostages, and an end to military intervention in Gaza.
Graciela Barchilon, a 68-year-old demonstrator, expressed her feelings about the soldiers' death to the AFP news agency, stating, "Each soldier who dies is like a family member who perishes." She feels anger and disappointment towards the government, believing new elections are necessary.
On the same day, the Israeli army clashed with the militia Lebanese Hezbollah. Hezbollah reportedly attacked Israeli military outpost Meron with "guided missiles" and launched "attack drones" on another Israeli outpost. The Israeli army acknowledged the firing of "two projectiles" at Meron's military installation, causing no casualties or damage.
Since the commencement of the conflict in the Gaza Strip over eight months ago, Hezbollah has consistently sparred with the Israeli army to support Hamas. Hezbollah has escalated its attacks following the killing of a high-ranking Hezbollah commander on Tuesday.
The Gaza War began following a large-scale Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 that resulted in the death of 1194 people and 251 hostages, according to Israeli reports.
Since then, Israel has relentlessly carried out extensive military operations in the Gaza Strip. According to reports from the Hamas-administered Health Ministry, over 37,290 people have purportedly been killed in these operations, though independent verification is unavailable.
