Extract from ABC News
At least 21 Israeli soldiers have been killed in the Gaza Strip in the deadliest attack on Israel's forces since the October 7 Hamas terror attack that triggered the war, the military said.
Key points:
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to fight in Gaza until "absolute victory"
- Israel suffered one of its toughest days of the military offensive, with 21 dead in a building explosion
- At least 25,295 Gazans have been killed since October 7, Gaza's health ministry officials say
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would push on with fighting in Gaza until "absolute victory" despite suffering one of its toughest days of the military offensive.
"Yesterday we experienced one of the most difficult days since the war erupted," Mr Netanyahu said. "In the name of our heroes, for the sake of our lives, we will not stop fighting until absolute victory."
He said the military was "investigating the tragedy" in which 21 soldiers were killed when buildings exploded in central Gaza.
Military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said the soldiers were killed as they were attempting to demolish two buildings in central Gaza, close to the Israeli border.
Rear Admiral Hagari said an RPG was fired at a "tank securing the forces, and simultaneously, an explosion occurred at two two-storey buildings", The Times of Israel reports.
The collapsed buildings killed the soldiers inside, he added.
Several of the soldiers were reservists.
Rear Admirial Hagari said the explosion was likely a result of mines planted by troops to demolish the buildings, but the cause was still under investigation.
Associated Press said it was the deadliest incident involving IDF forces since Israel's three-month-old war against Hamas militants began.
An additional three soldiers were killed separately, taking the total to 24 within the past 24 hours.
Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said it was "difficult" morning following the news but "the fall of the soldiers compels us to achieve the goals of the fighting."
At least 25,295 Gazans have been killed since October 7, Gaza's health ministry officials said on Monday.
Gaza health ministry spokesman Ashraf al Qidra told Reuters at least 50 people were killed on Sunday night in Khan Younis, while sieges at medical facilities meant dozens of dead and wounded were beyond the reach of rescuers.
There was no word from Israel on the situation at the hospital, and the military spokesperson's office had no comment.
White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said on Monday Israel had a right to defend itself with a caveat.
"We expect them to do so in accordance with international law and to protect innocent people in hospitals, medical staff and patients as well, as much as possible," he said.
Israeli forces 'encircling' Khan Younis
Israel claims to have largely defeated Hamas in northern Gaza in operations that caused widespread destruction to the region.
In recent weeks the offensive has focused on Khan Younis and refugee camps in central Gaza, including Maghazi, that date back to the 1948 war surrounding Israel's creation.
The military said its forces had killed dozens of militants in Khan Younis in recent days and had encircled the city, without providing evidence. It was not possible to independently confirm those claims.
Mr Netanyahu said Israel was making advancements in the region.
"In this war, we are making big achievements, like the encircling of Khan Younis, and there are also very heavy losses," he said.
Thousands of people fled Khan Younis on Tuesday, some on foot with only what they could carry. Thick, black smoke could be seen rising over the city.
"We heard very intense shelling, and we couldn't sleep all night because we were so afraid," Ibtisam Abu Jommaiza said as she made her way out of the city.
Israel believes Hamas commanders may be hiding in vast tunnel complexes beneath Khan Younis, the hometown of the group's top leader in Gaza, Yehya Sinwar, whose location is unknown.
Hamas leaders are also believed to be using hostages as human shields, further complicating any rescue efforts.
AP/Reuters
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