Israelis awoke this morning to the shocking and painful news that 21 IDF reservists were killed in Gaza yesterday, when Hamas terrorists fired RPG missiles at buildings that Israeli soldiers were preparing for demolition. The strike detonated mines inside the buildings, which collapsed and killed the soldiers operating inside.
It was the deadliest day for Israel since the beginning of the war.
The attack occurred just 600 meters from the border as IDF troops worked to expand the buffer zone between Israeli communities and the Gaza Strip to prevent future infiltrations and eventually allow residents to return to their communities.
"We share in the grief of their families for the heavy loss, and know that the pain is too great to bear," said IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi. "On this day, we feel the great and painful cost of war, but the one we are fighting now is necessary and just like no other. We will continue to fight for our clear right to live here in safety."
Hundreds gathered in the rain for funerals throughout the day, as bereaved families eulogized their loved ones and shared their stories.
Today Hamas reportedly rejected another Israeli proposal to pause fighting. The deal would have seen Israel stop its operation for two months, with Hamas returning all of the remaining hostages in Gaza and Israel releasing Palestinian prisoners.
IDF encircles Khan Yunis
Israeli troops completed their encirclement of Khan Yunis, as Israeli soldiers killed "many dozens of Hamas terrorists" during intense close-quarter combat.
The IDF said the killed Hamas fighters were wielding RPGs just dozens of meters from the soldiers, along with operatives booby-trapping buildings and roads with explosive devices. Troops also uncovered rockets prepared for launch, tunnels, and other weapons. Approximately 9,000 Hamas terrorists have been killed to date.
During the operation today, IDF forces also located and destroyed the largest rocket manufacturing plant discovered to date. Watch a video of what was uncovered.
U.S. launches retaliatory strikes against Iran-backed militias in Iraq
The U.S. launched airstrikes against Iran-backed militias in Iraq this evening, in response to 17 ballistic missiles and rockets fired Sunday at American troops stationed at Al-Assad airbase.
Iran-backed terrorists have attacked U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria more than 150 times since October.
210 House members denounce South Africa’s “genocide” accusation
Today, 210 House members sent a bipartisan letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressing "disgust" at South Africa's accusation of genocide against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
"We vigorously denounce South Africa’s deeply hostile stance towards Israel and thoroughly reject its charge of genocide," the members wrote.
136 Israelis are still held hostage by Hamas. Join us in sharing their stories.
Every hostage is a life interrupted and a family in pain. We encourage you to join us in making each of their stories known by sharing a graphic on social media and using the hashtag #BringThemHomeNow.
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