Seven Israeli Soldiers Killed in Southern Gaza Combat Operations
The Israeli army announced on Wednesday that seven of its soldiers, including a platoon commander, were killed in combat operations in the southern Gaza Strip. This brings the total number of Israeli soldiers killed in the ongoing war with Hamas to over 430. The conflict, nearing nine months, continues with high casualties on both sides and a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Unpacked:
According to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, at least 55,637 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict between October 2023 and June 2025.
Gaza faces a severe humanitarian crisis, with widespread food shortages and malnutrition. Nearly half a million people are in catastrophic hunger, and over 70,000 children under five are at risk of acute malnutrition if the situation continues.
The high casualty numbers are due to ongoing intensive combat operations, including ground offensives, airstrikes, and urban warfare in densely populated areas. The conflict’s protracted nature and restricted humanitarian access have worsened civilian and military losses.
The conflict persists due to deep-rooted political, territorial, and security disputes between Israel and Hamas, failed ceasefire negotiations, and a lack of consensus on long-term solutions, with both sides demanding conditions the other currently rejects.