Today marks the 109th day of the war. IDF Spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, provided additional details this morning (Tuesday) about the incidents where ten soldiers fell in battles in the southern Gaza Strip yesterday.
"This morning, I want to update you on a very difficult event that occurred yesterday. During the battle in Gaza, 21 reserve soldiers lost their lives. So far, the names of 10 casualties have been released for publication, and in the coming hours, we will allow the release of the names of the remaining casualties. Please inform all families about this tragic event. We are publishing verified information only after thoroughly investigating the details. I urge you to act responsibly and with sensitivity, avoiding adding significant pain to their already profound grief."
According to Hagari, "The forces operated in an area between Israeli communities and Gaza, near the Kissufim settlement. The forces cleared buildings and terror infrastructure within approximately 600 meters of the border. This mission aims to create security conditions for the residents of the southern region to return to their homes."
Hagari recounted, "As of 4:00 PM, an RPG missile was likely fired towards a tank securing the force. Simultaneously, there was an explosion in two-story buildings, which collapsed while most of the force was inside or nearby. The buildings likely exploded due to explosives our forces concealed in them, in preparation for the demolition of the structure and terror infrastructure in the area. We are still investigating."
"Throughout the night, all commanders and rescue forces are working to extract and locate the casualties. In the coming hours, we will allow the release of the names of the additional fallen. Behind the reports, there are families, and we must act with sensitivity."