Israeli troops carry out ground offensive in Gaza

Tel Aviv, January 23 (RHC)-- Twenty-four Israeli troopers have been killed in Gaza in the last 24 hours, making it the deadliest day for its invading forces since their ground operation began.  The chief Israeli military spokesperson, Daniel Hagari told reporters on Tuesday that the number included 21 troopers who were killed in an explosion.

According to Hagari resistance fighters had fired rocket-propelled grenades at a tank, and at the same time, an explosion occurred in two buildings where forces had planted explosives to destroy them. The buildings collapsed onto the troops.  “We are still studying and investigating the details of the event and the reasons for the explosion,” he said.

Earlier, the military had said three soldiers were also killed in a separate attack in the southern Gazan city of Khan Younis, bringing the Israeli occupation forces death toll to 219 for ground operations.  The so-called Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said the deaths of 24 soldiers in a single day make it “clearer than ever” that Israel must not cease operations in Gaza.

American author and blogger Max Blumenthal said in a social media post that, “Israel's military confirms 21 soldiers were killed as they were rigging homes in central Gaza to be detonated. This TikTok occupation army cannot break Gaza. US talk of ‘the day after’ is ridiculous. Invading soldiers will continue to die in vain until a ceasefire is imposed.”

The Israeli military deaths came as Israeli forces pushed deep into western Khan Younis in Gaza, with an air, sea, and land bombardment that included storming a hospital and arresting medical staff, Gaza health ministry spokesman Ashraf al Qidra told Reuters.

Israel launched an offensive last week to capture Khan Younis, claiming it is the principal headquarters of Hamas fighters.