Eight Israeli occupation soldiers were killed early Saturday morning when an anti-tank shell struck their Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) in the southern Gaza Strip, Hebrewi media outlets reported.

The attack targeted a Namer-type APC in the western neighborhood of al-Sultan in Rafah, where Israeli occupation forces are currently conducting an invasion. The soldiers were reportedly asleep in the APC at the time of the attack.

According to Israeli media, the unspecified anti-tank shell caused an explosion and subsequent fire, leading to the deaths of the eight soldiers inside. The APC, which was idle and used by Israeli combat engineering troops as a resting spot, was completely destroyed in the incident. Among those killed was a combat officer in the Israeli occupation forces.

The Namer APC is recognized as one of the most advanced and heavily armored vehicles globally, based on the chassis of the Merkava 4 main battle tank. It was developed to replace the less armored American M113 vehicles, which have been involved in several incidents due to their vulnerability.

The attack comes as tensions escalate in the Gaza Strip, with Israeli forces expanding their operations in the region. The incident highlights the ongoing volatility and the severe risks faced by military personnel in the conflict zone.

Israeli occupation forces continue their invasion into the western neighborhood of al-Sultan in Rafah amidst this latest development. The situation remains fluid, with further updates expected as more information becomes available. (ILKHA)