Jerusalem, Undefined: Five Israeli soldiers were killed and 14 others injured late Monday night when a roadside bomb exploded during an ongoing ground operation in Beit Hanoun, northern Gaza, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced.
The incident occurred around 10 p.m. as infantry soldiers on foot patrol were hit by an explosive device planted along a road. The attack took place during an operation led by the Gaza Division’s Northern Brigade and the 646th Reserve Paratroopers Brigade, aimed at clearing out remaining militant strongholds in the area.
Two of the slain soldiers have been identified as Staff Sgt. Meir Shimon Amar and Sgt. Moshe Nissim Frech, both 20 years old and from Jerusalem. They served in the Kfir Brigade’s Netzah Yehuda Battalion. The names of the other three soldiers killed are expected to be released soon.
According to a preliminary military investigation, forces attempting to evacuate the wounded came under additional fire. Among the 14 injured soldiers, two are reported to be in serious condition.
The IDF said that prior to the troops’ movement, the area had been targeted in aerial strikes as part of standard operational protocol.
The Netzah Yehuda soldiers were taking part in joint operations to dismantle terror infrastructure in Beit Hanoun, where fighting has continued for several weeks.
