JERUSALEM, Israel – Israel woke up to the news Tuesday that 21 Israeli Defense Forces reservists died when two buildings exploded in the Central Gaza Strip Monday. It was the largest single loss of life for Israeli soldiers since the Gaza incursion began.
IDF Spokesman Daniel Hagari announed, “The forces were operating in an area between the Israeli communities and Gaza – near the community of Kissufim. The forces were removing structures and terrorist infrastructure in the area, approximately 600 meters from the border.
He added, “The mission is intended to provide the security conditions necessary to allow the residents of southern Israel to return to their homes.”
The soldiers were planting explosives in the buildings to bring them down, and were still inside when terrorists fired an rpg, triggering the mines and causing the structures to collapse on top of those inside and nearby.
Hagari said an investigation has ensued.
“This war has a very painful and heavy price; the devoted reservists who rallied to the flag sacrificed everything for the security of Israel so that we all can live here securely,” he stated.
News of the soldiers’ deaths overshadowed earlier reports that the IDF had encircled the key Gaza city of Khan Younis,
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