JERUSALEM, Israel – The Israeli military announced on Saturday that eight soldiers were killed in southern Gaza in what is considered the deadliest attack on Israeli forces in months.
The soldiers lost their lives in an explosion, according to the army, although no further details were provided. These deaths are likely to intensify calls for a cease-fire and compound Israeli public outrage over the issue of ultra-Orthodox exemptions from military service.
In January, a devastating attack by Palestinian militants in Gaza resulted in the deaths of 21 Israeli troops. The recent loss of eight soldiers adds to the toll of casualties in the ongoing conflict.
Israel’s Supreme Court recently ruled to end government subsidies for many ultra-Orthodox men who do not serve in the army. Despite the absence of a new draft law, the coalition of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voted this week to extend exemptions for religious men, sparking controversy amid ongoing military operations in Gaza and Lebanon.
Israel’s Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, a member of the nation’s War Cabinet, has emphasized the importance of all sectors of Israeli society making equal contributions during the current conflict with Hamas militants.
As the coalition government in Israel includes influential ultra-Orthodox parties that have been longstanding allies of Netanyahu, the potential departure of these parties could lead to new elections. However, the Prime Minister is facing a significant deficit in the polls amidst the ongoing war and internal political turmoil.
Demonstrations against the government have been ongoing in Tel Aviv, with protesters demanding the safe return of hostages and calling for Netanyahu’s resignation amidst growing discontent.
The violence in Gaza has resulted in a high number of Palestinian casualties with thousands of individuals displaced from their homes. Humanitarian aid efforts have been impeded due to Israeli restrictions and ongoing fighting, exacerbating widespread hunger in the region.
Efforts to negotiate a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas have been stalled for months, with proposed changes by Hamas to a U.S.-backed plan still under consideration. The need for a permanent cease-fire and Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza is a priority for Hamas in exchange for the release of hostages, but concerns remain about Israel’s commitment to these conditions.
In the West Bank, tensions have risen with reports of a 16-year-old Palestinian shot dead by Israeli forces near Nablus, further escalating the conflict in the region.