At least eight Israeli soldiers were tragically killed in southern Gaza, marking the deadliest incident involving the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) since October 7th.
According to the IDF, the fatal event occurred on Saturday when an explosion struck an armored vehicle carrying soldiers as part of a convoy around 5:15 a.m. local time. The operation was targeting “terrorist infrastructure” in northern Tal al-Sultan.
IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari revealed details of the attack during a press conference, stating, “Preliminary findings suggest that one of the engineering vehicles in the convoy was hit by an explosion, likely caused by explosive devices planted in the area or possibly by anti-tank missile fire.”
Further investigation is underway to determine if the initial explosion was compounded by explosive material aboard the vehicle detonating.
Hagari added, “The assessment currently is that the ‘Nemera’ armored vehicle was struck by an explosion from a roadside bomb. Additionally, the vehicle was carrying engineering tools containing explosive material.”
“The explosion was significant and may have been triggered by the ignition of the explosive material aboard the vehicle. This scenario should not have occurred, and thus the incident is under thorough examination.”
