Five Israeli soldiers have been killed in northern Gaza, while at least 18 Palestinians lost their lives in Israeli airstrikes, as intense fighting continues despite renewed hopes for a ceasefire.
The Israeli military confirmed the deaths on Tuesday, stating that the soldiers were targeted during an operation in Beit Hanoun, a district in northern Gaza that has seen repeated clashes since the war began.
According to an Israeli security official, explosive devices were detonated during the operation, followed by gunfire from Palestinian fighters as troops attempted to evacuate the wounded. The official spoke on condition of anonymity, citing restrictions on speaking to the media.
In total, 14 soldiers were injured, two of them seriously. The deaths bring the total number of Israeli soldiers killed since the start of the conflict in October 2023 to 888.
The attack occurred just weeks after one of Israel’s deadliest days in months, when seven soldiers were killed after a Palestinian attacker planted a bomb on their armoured vehicle.
Airstrikes Kill Civilians Across Gaza
While Israeli forces sustained losses, Palestinian health officials reported further civilian casualties from ongoing airstrikes.
At Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, officials said one airstrike targeted tents housing displaced people, killing four individuals. A second strike nearby killed a mother, father and their two children.
In central Gaza, Israeli strikes reportedly killed ten people and injured 72 others, according to a statement from Awda Hospital in Nuseirat.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have not commented on these specific strikes but maintain that Hamas bears responsibility for civilian casualties, claiming the group operates from within densely populated areas.
High Civilian Toll
The war began on 7 October 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Most of those hostages have since been released under previous ceasefire agreements.
In response, Israel launched a large-scale military operation in Gaza, which has so far resulted in the deaths of more than 57,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Over half of those killed are reported to be women and children.
The Ministry, which is run by Hamas, does not distinguish between civilian and combatant deaths. However, international bodies such as the United Nations recognise its figures as the most reliable source for casualty reporting within the territory.
Ceasefire Talks Continue in Washington
The latest surge in violence came as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Washington, where discussions are underway regarding a US-backed ceasefire proposal.
In a statement, Netanyahu offered his condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, stating they died “in a campaign to defeat Hamas and to free all of our hostages.”
The White House has pushed for a 60-day ceasefire, which would see humanitarian aid allowed into Gaza and the release of some of the remaining 50 hostages, 20 of whom are believed to still be alive.
A key sticking point remains whether such a truce would mark the end of the war.
Hamas has indicated willingness to release all hostages in exchange for a complete Israeli withdrawal and permanent end to hostilities. However, Netanyahu insists the war will not end until Hamas surrenders, disarms, and leaves Gaza, conditions the militant group continues to reject.
As political leaders negotiate in conference rooms, the conflict on the ground continues to exact a heavy toll on both soldiers and civilians.
