Two Israeli Soldiers Killed in Gaza Conflict
Israeli army confirms two soldiers killed in clashes in Gaza
The Israeli army has confirmed that two soldiers were killed and one was seriously injured in clashes in northern Gaza. According to a statement released by the army, one soldier died when a bomb exploded in a booby-trapped building he entered in the Al-Shucaiyya District of Gaza city, while the other was killed by a sniper in the same neighborhood.
This brings the total number of Israeli soldiers who have died since the start of the attacks on the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023, to 670, with 316 of them dying during the land invasion. In addition, a total of 3,966 soldiers and officers have been injured in the attacks, including 2,008 during the land invasion.
Meanwhile, Israelis across the country continued their demonstrations this week, demanding a prisoner exchange agreement and the resignation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. Tens of thousands of Israelis took to the streets in cities like Tel Aviv, West Jerusalem, Haifa, and Rehovot, calling for the return of Israeli prisoners from Gaza and early elections.
The families of the prisoners made a press statement in front of the Ministry of Defense in Tel Aviv, urging Israelis not to allow Netanyahu to break the prisoner exchange agreement. They emphasized that the continuation of the attacks means the killing of Israeli prisoners and called for an immediate swap deal to release Gaza prisoners.
In West Jerusalem, thousands of Israelis gathered in Paris Square for a demonstration, which led to clashes with Israeli police and the detention of some protesters. Prime Minister Netanyahu mentioned in an interview that Israel would not completely stop the attacks in Gaza, but was willing to make a partial agreement.
Since the beginning of the attacks on October 7, 2023, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ armed wing, launched a comprehensive attack on Israel. Israel reported 1,200 deaths and 5,132 injuries on that day, while Palestinian casualties have reached 37,834 deaths and 86,858 injuries. The Israeli army also reported 668 soldiers dead, with a humanitarian pause resulting in the release of 81 Israeli and 240 Palestinian prisoners. However, thousands of Palestinians remain detained by Israel.
The conflict has also spilled over into the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, where 553 Palestinians have been killed in attacks by Israeli soldiers and settlers since October 7, 2023. Civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and educational institutions, has been targeted, leading to widespread destruction and loss of life.
