Seven Israeli soldiers, including a senior officer, were killed Tuesday in a coordinated ambush by Palestinian resistance forces in Khan Younis, southern Gaza.

The deadly operation, targeting an armored military unit, marks one of the most significant setbacks for Israeli forces in recent weeks.

According to Israeli military sources, the soldiers were traveling in a Puma-type Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) as part of an engineering unit when a powerful explosive device detonated, engulfing the vehicle in flames. All personnel aboard were killed instantly. Identification of the victims was delayed due to the severity of the fire.

The Israel Occupation Forces (IOF) later confirmed the fatalities and released the names of six of the deceased soldiers. The ambush has been described by Israeli analysts as a major psychological and strategic blow, especially given that the victims belonged to two elite units.

Military analysts noted the operation demonstrated a high degree of planning and execution, underscoring the evolving capabilities of Palestinian fighters. The incident has intensified concerns within Israeli defense circles about the vulnerability of ground units operating in southern Gaza, where resistance groups have increasingly employed asymmetric warfare tactics.

In a separate incident the same day, two additional Israeli soldiers were injured in another confrontation nearby, one of whom remains in critical condition.

Despite the losses, Israeli genocidal aggression across Gaza continue unabated. Humanitarian groups and local health officials report ongoing air and ground assaults, with numerous casualties reported daily. Civilian areas, including distribution centers and densely populated neighborhoods, have been among the hardest hit.

Since the escalation of hostilities in October 2023, tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed, sparking growing international condemnation and calls for a ceasefire.

Tuesday’s ambush is seen by some observers as a potential turning point, highlighting both the resilience and tactical proficiency of Palestinian resistance groups. The incident has fueled further debate about the direction and costs of the conflict, both within Israel and across the international community.

Calls for accountability and a renewed diplomatic effort to end the violence are mounting, as humanitarian conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate. (ILKHA)