Tragedy in Gaza: Eight Israeli soldiers die in explosion

Eight Israeli soldiers, including a captain, lost their lives in a tragic explosion during an operation in Rafah, in southern Gaza, marking the deadliest day for Israel since January. Captain Wassem Mahmoud, 23 years old and hailing from Beit Jann, was the deputy commander of the Israeli Army's Engineering Battalion 601. The news was confirmed by the Army, which reported that seven other soldiers also perished in the incident, and their families have already been notified. This unfortunate event becomes the deadliest day for the Israeli Army since January when 21 soldiers lost their lives in a tragic incident. The attack was claimed by the al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, as an ambush against enemy vehicles in the Tal al Sultan area in western Rafah. According to the Islamist organization, they used an Al Yassin 105 projectile to target an armored combat engineering vehicle 'Namer', causing the deaths of the eight soldiers. Army spokesperson Daniel Hagari indicated that the incident could have been caused by an explosive device placed near the vehicle or by an anti-tank missile fired at it. Despite the circumstances, the military forces point to a bomb detonation reaching the vehicle, loaded with explosive material, triggering a devastating explosion that ended the soldiers' lives. Throughout the day, the Army carried out multiple raids and airstrikes in different parts of Rafah, intensifying its offensive in this border city with Egypt. Since the military entered Rafah on May 6, this town has become one of the main focuses of the Israeli operation in the Gaza Strip, being the scene of most of the casualties reported to date. In a sad reminder of the brutality of the conflict, the Gaza Health Ministry, under the Hamas government, reported that since the start of the Israeli ground operation, over 37,000 people have lost their lives in Gaza, with a high percentage of women and children among the victims. Additionally, more than 85,000 people were injured, reflecting the devastating impact that armed violence has had on the civilian population of the region. The escalation of violence in Gaza continues to exact a high toll in human lives, both among the military and civilians. With each new confrontation, the hope for a peaceful and lasting solution seems to drift further away, leaving a trail of destruction and loss in its wake. Meanwhile, the international community watches with concern, urging all parties involved to seek avenues for dialogue and negotiation to end this spiral of violence that only brings suffering and tragedy.