Four Israeli soldiers were killed in Gaza City on Monday after Hamas militants detonated an explosive device inside their tank, according to an Israeli military statement. The incident marks one of the deadliest single attacks on Israeli forces in recent weeks as operations intensify across northern Gaza.
Preliminary investigations reveal three Hamas operatives approached the armored vehicle at dawn near Sheikh Radwan district, firing weapons before throwing an explosive charge into the tank's hatch. The blast killed all four soldiers instantly, with Israeli forces later engaging the assailants during pursuit operations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the military's expanded offensive in a video address, stating: 'Over 50 multi-story structures have been demolished in Gaza during the past 48 hours.' He described current operations as preparatory phases for larger ground maneuvers, urging civilians to evacuate conflict zones.
The death toll among Israeli soldiers has reached 903 since October 2023, according to official figures. Monday's strikes included the destruction of Gaza City's 14-story Vision Tower, a commercial hub, underscoring the conflict's widening urban impact.
Analysts note the escalating violence complicates ceasefire negotiations while raising humanitarian concerns. The UN reports over 1.9 million Gazans remain displaced amid the fighting, with critical infrastructure damage hampering aid delivery.
