8 Israeli Soldiers Killed In Southern Gaza In Deadliest Attack In Months

Eight Israeli soldiers were killed in southern Gaza, marking the deadliest attack on Israeli forces in recent months, news agency Associated Press (AP) reported citing the Israeli military on Saturday. The troops died in an explosion, although the military did not provide further details. As per reports, this incident is likely to intensify calls for a cease-fire and increase public frustration over military exemptions for the ultra-Orthodox community. 

This follows a January attack where 21 Israeli soldiers were killed by Palestinian militants in Gaza. 

Recently, Israel’s Supreme Court ordered an end to government subsidies for many ultra-Orthodox men who avoid military service. A new draft law has yet to be passed, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition voted this week to extend exemptions for religious men. The procedural vote caused controversy, occurring during a conflict that has seen hundreds of soldiers killed and many others stationed in Gaza or on the front lines against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Netanyahu’s coalition government includes a major bloc of ultra-Orthodox parties, longstanding allies of the Prime Minister. 

Israeli’s military operations in Gaza have resulted in over 37,000 Palestinian deaths, as per media reports which cited Palestinian health officials. Notably, the officials did not distinguish between civilians and soldiers. As per records, the conflict has displaced approximately 80 per cent of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, and Israeli restrictions, along with ongoing fight, have hampered humanitarian aid efforts, exacerbating hunger. 

The conflict began after Hamas and other militants attacked Israel on October 7, killing around 1,200 people, primarily civilians, and taking approximately 250 hostages. Over 100 hostages were released last year during a weeklong cease-fire in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Hamas is believed to hold around 80 hostages and the remains of another 40, as per the AP report. 

Cease-fire negotiations have been ongoing for months without reaching an agreement. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently stated that Hamas proposed changes to a US-backed plan, noting that some were “workable” while others were not. 

Hamas has called for a permanent cease-fire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza as conditions for releasing hostages. The proposal announced by US President Joe Biden includes these provisions, but Hamas has expressed doubts about Israel’s commitment to them. 

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