Five Israeli Soldiers Killed in Gaza Ambush as Israeli Strikes Claim 51 Palestinian Lives

Five Israeli Soldiers Killed in Gaza Ambush as Israeli Strikes Claim 51 Palestinian Lives

 

TEL AVIV, Israel (The Israeli military reported Tuesday that five of its soldiers were killed during an attack in northern Gaza, while Palestinian health officials stated that Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of 51 people across the territory.

The surge in violence coincided with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the White House for high-level talks with U.S. President Donald Trump focused on a potential ceasefire. Although no formal agreement was announced, both sides indicated significant progress had been made.

The deaths of the soldiers may increase domestic pressure on Netanyahu to reach a deal, as public opinion polls in Israel reflect strong support for ending the 21-month conflict.

A senior Israeli official, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the negotiations, said 80 to 90 percent of the ceasefire terms have been agreed upon, and a final deal could be finalized within days.

In a related development, Israel conducted a rare airstrike in northern Lebanon targeting a senior Hamas operative. The strike killed three people and wounded 13 others, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry.



Ambush with Explosives in Northern Gaza

The soldiers were killed in the Beit Hanoun area, a hotspot of militant activity in northern Gaza. According to an Israeli security official, the troops were struck by explosive devices during an operation. As fellow soldiers attempted to evacuate the wounded, they came under additional fire from militants.

The official, who was not authorized to speak publicly, noted that 14 additional soldiers were wounded in the attack, two of them seriously. The total number of Israeli soldiers killed since the war began on October 7, 2023, has now reached 888.

Netanyahu issued a statement of condolence, referring to the fallen troops as heroes in the mission to defeat Hamas and secure the release of hostages.

Civilian Casualties Mount Amid Strikes



Palestinian health officials reported that several Israeli airstrikes targeted areas housing displaced civilians. In Khan Younis, four people were killed when a tent sheltering them was hit, and another strike killed a family of four — including two children.

At Nasser Hospital, medical staff reported a total of 41 fatalities Tuesday. In central Gaza’s Nuseirat refugee camp, airstrikes claimed the lives of 10 more and injured 72, according to Awda Hospital.

Israel's military has not commented on these strikes, maintaining that Hamas is responsible for civilian casualties by embedding in populated areas.

The Palestinian health care system continues to crumble. The Palestine Red Crescent announced that Al-Zaytoun Medical Clinic in Gaza City has shut down due to nearby shelling, leaving thousands without immediate access to basic medical care and vaccinations.

Ceasefire Talks Focused on 60-Day Pause


President Trump has expressed urgency in ending the Gaza war, especially in the aftermath of a recent 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran. The White House is pushing for a 60-day ceasefire that would allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza and secure the release of at least some of the remaining 50 hostages, 20 of whom Netanyahu claims are still alive.

A key obstacle remains: Hamas insists that it will release all hostages only in exchange for a permanent end to hostilities and a full Israeli withdrawal. Netanyahu has rejected that demand, stating the war will only end once Hamas disarms, surrenders, and leaves Gaza — conditions the group has refused.

The war began with a Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, which killed roughly 1,200 people and led to the capture of 251 hostages. While many were freed during temporary ceasefires, Israel’s ongoing military campaign has since killed more than 57,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry — over half of them women and children.

Although the ministry is run by Hamas, the U.N. and other international organizations consider its casualty figures among the most reliable.

Israeli Strike in Lebanon Targets Hamas Commander


In northern Lebanon, an Israeli airstrike hit a vehicle in Tripoli, killing Mehran Mustafa Bajur, a Hamas commander accused of orchestrating rocket attacks on Israel. The Israeli military confirmed his death, while Hamas has yet to issue a response.

The strike marks a rare escalation beyond southern Lebanon, where most Israeli operations against Hezbollah and allied groups have been concentrated.

Since a U.S.-mediated ceasefire ended last year’s conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, Israeli forces have carried out near-daily strikes. Lebanese officials say roughly 250 people have been killed since then.

Hezbollah, still armed and active, has resisted international and domestic calls to disarm, citing ongoing Israeli occupation of key border areas and continued airstrikes as justification.


Post a Comment

0 Comments

DEJANOS TUS COMENTARIOS