The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced today that two of its soldiers were killed in ongoing battles in the Gaza Strip.
This brings the total number of Israeli soldiers killed since the start of ground operations in Gaza on October 27 to 293. Since October 7, the overall military death toll stands at 644.
The IDF continues its military campaign in Gaza for the 238th consecutive day, marked by numerous airstrikes and intense artillery shelling across various regions of the territory, according to the Israeli news outlet “i24 News.”
Israeli forces are also persisting with their ground invasion in several neighborhoods of Rafah, supported by aerial and artillery bombardments.
The Israeli military has declared “operational control” over the entire Philadelphi Corridor, a 14-kilometer (approximately 8.7 miles) stretch along the border between Gaza and Egypt.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas, the militant group that controls the Gaza Strip, has escalated dramatically since October 7, when Hamas launched a significant attack on Israel, leading to widespread military retaliation.
This cycle of violence has resulted in substantial casualties and widespread destruction in Gaza.
The Philadelphi Corridor, also known as the Philadelphia Route, is a narrow strip along the Egypt-Gaza border. Historically, it has been a hotspot for smuggling tunnels that have allowed the transfer of goods, weapons, and fighters into Gaza.
Control over this corridor is strategically significant for Israel to curb the flow of arms and reinforcements to Hamas.
The prolonged conflict has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with international organizations frequently calling for ceasefires and urging both sides to return to negotiations. The Israeli operations have faced criticism from various international entities and human rights organizations, which highlight the severe impact on civilian populations.
