Five Israeli soldiers were killed and 10 wounded in an explosion in northern Gaza on Monday, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The incident raised the Israeli death toll to 407 since the conflict began over 15 months ago.
The soldiers, identified as members of the Nahal Brigade’s Reconnaissance Unit, were preparing for an engineering operation in Beit Hanoun when explosives accidentally detonated, causing the collapse of a building. The deceased soldiers were Cpt. Yair Yakov Shushan, 23; Staff Sgt. Yahav Hadar, 20; Staff Sgt. Guy Karmiel, 20; Staff Sgt. Yoav Feffer, 19; and Staff Sgt. Aviel Wiseman, 20.
Simultaneously, heavy fighting continued across Gaza. Mahmoud Bassal, a spokesperson for Hamas-controlled civil defense in Gaza, claimed that Israeli airstrikes resulted in at least 50 deaths across Gaza City. However, these figures remain unverified, and Hamas has previously been accused of failing to distinguish between civilians and combatants in its reported tolls.
Israel has emphasized its efforts to minimize civilian casualties while accusing Hamas of using human shields by operating from civilian areas such as schools and hospitals.
Meanwhile, negotiations in Doha aimed at reaching a ceasefire and securing the release of 98 Israeli hostages held by Hamas have reportedly made progress. Key points under discussion include a permanent ceasefire, increased humanitarian aid, and the withdrawal of Israeli troops.
The war in Gaza erupted following Hamas’s October 7 attack, which saw approximately 3,000 militants infiltrate Israel, killing around 1,200 people and kidnapping 251 hostages, sparking the current military campaign.