Israel suffered its deadliest day since invading Gaza three months ago, losing 21 soldiers in a series of incidents that have raised questions about the conduct of the war.^1 As criticism mounts at home, Prime Minister Netanyahu has vowed to push on until “absolute victory,” but grief and anger are spreading among Israelis.^2
Building Collapses Trap Soldiers, Spark Mass Casualties
The heaviest casualties occurred when three buildings collapsed in Khan Younis while soldiers were inside, killing at least 18 troops.^3 The military is investigating whether militant explosives brought down the structures or if they collapsed from heavy Israeli bombardment over months of conflict.
Rescue crews have pulled some soldiers from the rubble alive but others remain trapped. attempts are underway to reach them, though hopes are fading.^4
The collapse sparked panic at the scene. “The wounded screamed to us to get them out quickly,” said one paramedic. “We could hear more rumbling and knew the rest of the building could fall any second.”^5
Further Casualties in Separate Incidents
In addition to the building collapse, Israel suffered other losses:
- Three officers killed by an anti-tank missile near Gaza City^6
- Two solders shot dead by a Hamas sniper unit^7
- Six troops killed when their vehicle struck a roadside bomb^8
The Israeli military has not released the names of all the fatalities yet as many families are still being notified.
Netanyahu Vows Total Victory Despite Mounting Criticism
As grief mixes with shock across Israel, Prime Minister Netanyahu gave a defiant speech, vowing “no mercy” and to push forward until “absolute victory” regardless of criticism.^9
“The soldiers who died today are heroes. Their sacrifice brings us closer to the day when the people of Israel will live without terror,” Netanyahu declared.
His coalition partners and opposition leaders accused Netanyahu of underestimating Hamas and called for a ceasefire and exit strategy. Protests have erupted with angry crowds gathering outside the Knesset and Defense Ministry.^10
| Minister | Statement |
|---|---|
| Benny Gantz | “The situation is out of control. We need an immediate reassessment before losing more lives pointlessly.” |
| Yair Lapid | “Netanyahu has led us into an endless abyss without a strategy or endgame.” |
A snap poll found 68% now oppose the Gaza offensive. Analysts say these developments put intense pressure on Netanyahu.^11
International Push for Ceasefire Renewed
With over 70 Israelis killed in the last three days, the escalating bloodshed has renewed international efforts to broker a ceasefire.^12
President Biden called Netanyahu urging restraint and to “consider the costs of continued stalemate.” France and Turkey issued a joint appeal at the UN for an immediate truce and peace talks while the EU warned of “severe consequences” if the fighting persists.^13
So far Israel has rejected calls for a ceasefire until all Hamas tunnels into Israel are destroyed – a massive operation that experts say could take months.^14 For now, both sides are vowing to fight on.
Gaza Civilian Death Toll Passes 25,000
The Gaza Ministry of Health announced that over 25,000 people have now died since the war began, including many women and children.^15 Hospitals are overwhelmed and running low on supplies.
Human rights groups say indiscriminate Israeli bombing of densely populated areas like Khan Younis could constitute war crimes. Netanyahu insists the military takes care to avoid civilan casualties.
Over 2 million desperate, impoverished Gazans have no way to flee the intense bombardments. Many shelter in UN schools or hide in basements.
“We haven’t seen daylight in three months except when running from one shelter to the next,” said one resident of Khan Younis, which has suffered heavy damage. “All we feel is fear.”^16
With both sides refusing to yield and stacks of corpses piling up, international efforts to stop the bloodshed are becoming more urgent. Critics say Netanyahu has led Israel into a abyss with no clear exit strategy, while Hamas vows no surrender. Ordinary Israelis and Gazans continue to pay the price as calls grow for a ceaseifre before the crisis deteriorates further into regional chaos.
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