Seven Israeli soldiers killed in Hamas attack in southern Gaza Strip

Seven Israeli soldiers were killed in a Hamas attack in the southern Gaza Strip, as confirmed by the Israeli military. This incident marks one of the deadliest for the force in recent months. In response, Israeli attacks have resulted in the deaths of 74 individuals in the Palestinian territory within the last 24 hours, according to local health authorities.

The soldiers, part of the 605th combat engineering battalion, lost their lives on Tuesday when militants planted a bomb on their vehicle in Khan Younis, causing it to catch fire. Hamas later claimed responsibility for the attack.

Brig Gen Effie Defrin, an Israeli army spokesperson, stated that rescue efforts were made but were unsuccessful in extracting the soldiers. The 605th battalion was engaged in locating and destroying tunnels, as well as eliminating militants, in Khan Younis.

Since October 7, 2023, a total of 879 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza. The health ministry reports that over 56,000 individuals, primarily civilians, have been killed by Israel in Gaza since the Hamas-led attack in October 2023.

On Tuesday, at least 40 Palestinians seeking aid in Gaza were shot by Israeli forces, as reported by local medics and officials. This incident coincides with Israel agreeing to a US-brokered ceasefire with Iran.

Since March, humanitarian conditions in Gaza have worsened due to a nearly two-month siege on humanitarian aid imposed by Israel. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), backed by the US and Israel, has faced criticism for its handling of aid distribution.

US President Donald Trump expressed optimism that recent strikes on Iran could facilitate progress in Gaza ceasefire negotiations. Calls for a Gaza ceasefire have been made within Israel, with differing opinions among officials and media figures.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum urged the government to expand the ceasefire with Iran to include Gaza, emphasizing the need to bring home all hostages and end the conflict.

According to the source: The Guardian.