21 soldiers killed in deadliest IDF incident of Gaza war
21 soldiers killed in deadliest IDF incident of Gaza war
Two buildings collapsed while IDF fighters were inside. The initial investigation shows that the fighters were hit by an RPG missile fired by Hamas terrorists, with the collapse of the buildings likely a result of mines planted by troops to demolish the structures
The IDF announced on Tuesday that 21 soldiers were killed in southern Gaza on Monday as a result of the collapse of two buildings. The initial investigation shows that the fighters were hit by an RPG missile fired by Hamas terrorists at two two-story buildings. Additionally, two soldiers were killed when their tank, standing nearby, was hit by a missile.
The buildings collapsed while the fighters were inside, with the explosion likely a result of mines planted by troops to demolish the buildings. The cause of the detonation is still under investigation.
During the night, large rescue forces operated in the area alongside the commanders in the field to extract all the injured and killed soldiers, many of whom were initially unaccounted for. The affected force was made up of reserve fighters from the 261st Brigade, which was engaged in security missions close to the border community of Kissufim.
“Our hearts are with the dear families in their most difficult time,” Defense Minister Yoav Gallant wrote on Tuesday morning. “This is a war that will determine the future of Israel for decades to come – the fall of the soldiers compels us to achieve the goals of the fighting.”
“As far as we know, at around 4 p.m., an RPG was fired by terrorists at a tank securing the forces, and simultaneously, an explosion occurred at two two-story buildings,” said IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari. “The buildings collapsed due to this explosion, while most of the forces were inside and near them.”
