24 soldiers killed in the Gaza Strip on the bloodiest day of the war for the IDF

Some of the 24 Israeli soldiers killed in the attack in the center of the Gaza Strip Photo: IDF

Twenty-four Israeli soldiers were killed during intense fighting in the Gaza Strip on Monday, marking the bloodiest day for the IDF since the war began.

Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, an Israeli army spokesman, told reporters on Tuesday that 21 troops had died as a result explosion after Hamas terrorists fired grenade launchers at the tank.

The second explosion occurred simultaneously in two buildings, where forces planted explosives to destroy them, he said. Buildings collapsed on nearby troops.

«We are still studying and investigating the details of the incident and the cause of the explosion,» Rear Admiral Hagari said.

The military earlier said three soldiers were killed in a separate attack in southern Gaza.

p>The reports come amid what Palestinians say is the most intense bombing of southern Gaza in the entire conflict.

Israeli troops in Khan -Younise Photo: IDF storms hospital

On Monday, Israeli troops advanced deep into western Khan Yunis, launching air, sea and land bombardments that included storming a hospital and arresting medical personnel, a Hamas spokesman said. Health Ministry chief Ashraf al-Kidra told Reuters.

There was no comment from Israel on the situation at the hospital.

Mr Kidra said at least 50 people were killed on Sunday evening in a key southern city, and the takeover of medical facilities left dozens dead and wounded beyond the reach of rescuers.

The United States turned to Israel. protect innocent Palestinians and medical personnel.

John Kirby, a spokesman for the White House National Security Council, said Monday that Israel has the right to defend itself, but added: “We expect them to do so in accordance with international law and to protect as much as possible innocent people in hospitals, medical staff and patients.»

Israel says Hamas militants operate in and around hospitals, which the terrorist group and medical staff deny.

Last week, the IDF launched an offensive to capture Khan Yunis, which they say is now the main headquarters of Hamas leaders responsible for the October 7 attacks in southern Israel.

Israel did this. vowed to destroy the group that rules Gaza and has vowed to destroy Israel.

At least 25,295 Gazans have been killed since the war began, the enclave's Hamas-run health ministry said Monday. .