Gaza: At least 16 Palestinians were killed in Israeli air and ground assaults across the Gaza Strip on Thursday, with heavy casualties reported in the northern and southern regions. Among the dead were nine civilians in Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza, following what locals described as a devastating Israeli airstrike on a residential area.
Meanwhile, reports have emerged of Israeli military casualties in Rafah, located in southern Gaza. According to Israeli media sources, an explosion occurred during an operation involving troops from the elite Golani Brigade. The soldiers were reportedly attempting to demolish a building when a blast went off, killing and injuring an unspecified number of them. The exact cause of the explosion remains unclear, though speculation points to either a booby-trapped structure or a miscalculated detonation.
Despite the seriousness of the incident, Israel has imposed a media blackout, and there has been no official comment from the Israeli government or military spokespersons. The lack of public acknowledgment has fueled speculation and concern within Israeli media circles and among families of deployed soldiers.
The Israeli military has intensified its campaign in Rafah over recent weeks, stating the city remains a stronghold for Hamas fighters and weapons caches. However, the ongoing operations have drawn widespread international concern, particularly as civilian casualties mount and critical infrastructure is further degraded.
Palestinian health officials report that hospitals in the south are overwhelmed, with many struggling to treat the injured due to severe shortages of medical supplies and fuel. The latest attacks have also displaced hundreds more families, adding to an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis.
The explosion in Rafah marks one of the few publicly reported instances of significant Israeli military casualties in recent weeks. With a media blackout in place and no official statements, the full scale of the incident remains unknown.
International organizations continue to call for an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access to all areas of Gaza.
