Five Israeli soldiers lost their lives and two others were injured in northern Gaza, as reported by the military on Tuesday, marking one of the most severe attacks on their forces in the region.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, currently in Washington, described it as “a difficult morning,” while U.S. President Donald Trump continues to advocate for an end to the ongoing conflict, which has lasted over 21 months.
Netanyahu expressed his condolences on X, stating, “All of Israel mourns for our brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the fight against Hamas and for the liberation of our hostages.”
The military disclosed that the deceased soldiers, aged between 20 and 28, “fell during combat in northern Gaza” on Monday. Two additional soldiers are in serious condition and have been hospitalized.
Israeli military reporters indicated that the soldiers were killed by homemade explosives in Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza, and while evacuating the injured, they came under gunfire.
According to statistics compiled by AFP, at least 445 Israeli soldiers have died since the commencement of the conflict in Gaza.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog remarked on X, “The painful news about the loss of five of our heroic sons in Gaza, most of whom served with the Netzeh Yehuda brigade, is heartbreaking.”
Meanwhile, opposition leader Yair Lapid emphasized that “for the sake of the fighters, their families, the hostages, and the state of Israel, this war must be brought to an end.”
No Progress in Negotiations
A new round of indirect negotiations between the two sides began in Qatar on Sunday evening aimed at reaching a ceasefire agreement, following a proposal delivered by mediators based on a suggestion by U.S. envoy Steve Witetkof.
The discussions are taking place with representatives from Israel and Hamas in separate rooms within the same building in the Qatari capital, Doha.
The session on Monday concluded without any breakthroughs, as reported by a Palestinian official familiar with the talks.
With indirect negotiations resuming on Tuesday, a source involved in the discussions noted that “there have been no advancements thus far.”
Witetkof is expected to join the discussions this week to push for a ceasefire.
The U.S. proposals include a two-month truce during which Hamas would release ten hostages alive, who were taken to Gaza during the attack on October 7, 2023.
In exchange, Israel would release Palestinian detainees it holds, according to two Palestinian sources knowledgeable about the negotiations.
Hamas has called for guarantees to ensure Israel’s withdrawal and the cessation of hostilities during the negotiation period, insisting on the United Nations overseeing aid distribution according to previous systems, as confirmed by the two sources.
This war erupted following an unprecedented attack by Hamas on Israel, which responded with a large-scale military campaign in Gaza, resulting in tens of thousands of casualties and a humanitarian crisis.
The Hamas assault resulted in the deaths of 1,219 individuals in Israel, the majority being civilians.
In Gaza, at least 57,523 Palestinians have been killed, most of whom are civilians, due to Israeli bombings and destructive operations, according to figures from the health ministry managed by Hamas, which the United Nations considers reliable.