In one of the bloodiest days for Israeli soldiers since the ground offenses began, ten Israeli soldiers were killed in an ambush in Gaza City, with the Israeli army encountering strong resistance in an offensive against Hamas. This operation has led to international condemnation and rare criticism from the United States for the high civilian death toll despite the numbers being reported coming from Hamas, which has a history of inflating deaths.
The ten soliders were listed by the Israel Defense Forces as being:Lieutenant Colonel Tomer Grinberg, 35 years old, the Commander of the Golani Brigade’s 13th Battalion; Major Roei Meldasi, 23 years old, a company commander of the Golani Brigade’s 13th Battalion Major Moshe Avram Bar On, 23 years old, a company commander of the Golani Brigade’s 51st Battalion. Sergeant Achia Daskal, 19 years old, a combat soldier in the Golani Brigade. Staff Sergeant Oriya Yaakov, 19 years old, a combat soldier in the 664th Brigade. Captain Liel Hayo, 22 years old, a platoon commander of the Golani Brigade’s 51st Battalion. Major Ben Shelly, 26 years old, a company commander of Unit 669. Master Sergeant Rom Hecht, 20 years old, a combat soldier in Unit 669.
Today, the IDF regrets to announce the deaths of the following soldiers, who fell in combat in northern Gaza:
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) December 13, 2023
🕯️LTC Tomer Grinberg, 35 years old, the Commander of the Golani Brigade’s 13th Battalion
🕯️MAJ Roei Meldasi, 23 years old, a company commander of the Golani Brigade’s… pic.twitter.com/U7rrtss6TR
The Biden administration has urged Israel to minimize Palestinian civilian casualties, despite blocking international calls for a ceasefire and continuing military support to Israel. Israel has dismissed U.S. suggestions for a post-war plan to reinvigorate the peace process with Palestinians.
The war on #Hamas goes on.
— Erez Neumark 🇮🇱🇧🇪 (@ErezNeumark) December 13, 2023
10 IDF soldiers killed in the past 24 hours in #Gaza. #Israel is fighting and winning a just war against a Nazi enemy who opened the gates of hell on #October7.#HamasislSIS #HamasRapists #October7massacre. pic.twitter.com/HWwoLPou1N
Since the Hamas-initiated conflict on October 7, the Israeli offensive has resulted in over 18,400 Palestinian deaths according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry which does not distibguish between Hamas combatants and civilians. This has forced nearly 85% of Gaza's 2.3 million residents to flee, turning much of northern Gaza into a desolate landscape.
Israeli ground forces are still actively engaged in Gaza City and its surroundings, with intense fighting, especially in Shijaiyah. Residents in the area report severe conditions, with no safe places to seek refuge.
Israeli media attribute the death of the soldiers to an ambush in Shijaiyah, a site of previous major conflict in Gaza. Israeli directives have led hundreds of thousands to evacuate to southern Gaza, yet this region also faces intense aerial bombardment.
God bless these men & their poor families, who must endure this tragedy for the rest of their lives. These men displayed tremendous courage. Now so must their families, God willing. "10 IDF soldiers, including battalion chiefs, killed in Gaza battle" https://t.co/Zz9r49os4y
— Ed Franks (@edfranks) December 13, 2023
Gaza's health system and humanitarian aid operations are overwhelmed due to ongoing fighting and Israel's blockade, raising concerns of famine and disease spread among displaced people in crowded shelters and tent camps. Heavy rains have further worsened conditions in these camps.
Israeli strikes in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, have caused additional civilian casualties, including children and the elderly. The Israeli military rarely comments on specific strikes, maintaining that efforts are made to avoid civilian harm and attributing the death toll to Hamas' use of residential areas for military purposes.
Internationally, President Biden has criticized Netanyahu's government, dominated by far-right parties, for losing global support due to indiscriminate bombings. Despite this, the Israeli offensive enjoys wide support within Israel, with a focus on the October 7 attacks, where 1,200 were killed, mostly civilians.
…but Biden refused to condemn the “Hamas Caucus” of the Democrat party.
— Daniel Cohen (@DanielCohenTV) December 13, 2023
Now he’s openly bashing Netanyahu - again - for opposing a two state solution.
Mr. President, creating a state for Arab Israelis after the slaughter of Jews on Oct 7 rewards the terrorists. https://t.co/18OxbhsO7I
The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution for a humanitarian ceasefire, reflecting growing global indignation. The U.S. has called on Israel to reduce civilian losses, but the death toll in Gaza continues to escalate rapidly.
