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The Israeli military has announced the deaths of seven soldiers during ongoing operations in the southern Gaza Strip, marking another deadly day in the protracted conflict with Hamas.
According to an official update on Wednesday, six of the soldiers—including a platoon commander—were part of the same battalion and died during combat in Gaza’s south. The seventh soldier has not been publicly identified, as his family declined to release his name.
This brings the number of Israeli troops killed since Israel’s bombardment began to more than 430. The recent conflict was ignited by Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which left 1,219 people dead, according to Israeli data. That attack also reportedly saw 251 hostages taken by Hamas fighters. Israel believes 49 hostages remain in Gaza, including 27 who are presumed dead.
After the October assault, Israel launched a sustained bombardment across the Gaza Strip. Israeli actions have so far resulted in the deaths of at least 56,077 people, predominantly women and children, according to figures released by the health ministry in Gaza. The United Nations and several international organisations recognise the ministry’s casualty data as broadly credible.
The humanitarian crisis in the territory, home to over two million Palestinians, continues to deteriorate. Human rights organisations say the population is facing famine-like conditions following a complete Israeli blockade on supplies from early March through to the end of May. Although some restrictions have since been eased, tight Israeli controls remain in place.
Following a ceasefire agreement reached with Iran on Tuesday, Israel’s military chief, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, indicated that operations would now refocus on the Gaza front.
