Four Israeli soldiers were tragically killed in a Hamas rocket attack near the Kerem Shalom crossing, a crucial passage for aid into Gaza, according to Israeli officials. Following this, Israel promptly closed the crossing. In retaliation, Israeli forces conducted strikes in Rafah, a southern city in Gaza, which resulted in at least 12 fatalities.
These developments occurred amidst stalled ceasefire talks in Gaza, aiming for a deal to end hostilities and secure the release of hostages. Early reports on Monday indicated that Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) were urging people in Rafah to evacuate, highlighting the escalating situation. The IDF disclosed that the rockets were launched from near the Rafah crossing, approximately 3.6km from Kerem Shalom, targeting an Israeli military base. The launch site was alarmingly close to a civilian shelter, illustrating, as IDF stated, Hamas’s recurring misuse of humanitarian sites and exploitation of civilians as shields, a claim Hamas consistently denies.
Three IDF soldiers were killed by rockets fired at the Kerem Shalom humanitarian crossing.
— Aviva Klompas (@AvivaKlompas) May 5, 2024
🕯️Staff Sgt. Ruben Marc Mordechai Assouline, 19
🕯️Staff Sgt. Ido Testa, 19
🕯️Staff Sgt. Tal Shavit, 21
Ruben, Ido and Tal were killed defending Israel on Holocaust Remembrance Day.… pic.twitter.com/r1KecG41Ar
The Israeli military has confirmed it targeted the rocket launch site and a nearby military structure in its counter-strike. This incident underscores the ongoing brutal cycle of violence following recent mediation efforts in Cairo, which have seen little progress. Both sides remain firm on their key demands, with talks expected to continue.
Even as we observe #YomHaShoah, today we mourn another IDF soldier, the 4th to have now died defending the Jewish state, after Hamas terrorists fired a rocket barrage at Kerem Shalom yesterday.
— Arsen Ostrovsky 🎗️ (@Ostrov_A) May 6, 2024
He has been named as Sergeant Michael Ruzal. May his memory always be blessed! pic.twitter.com/hORlC0Psc2
As the conflict persists, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated that Israel cannot accept a ceasefire that allows Hamas to regain control and threaten Israeli security. This statement came as the conflict, which began on October 7th with a significant attack by Hamas into Israel, has led to substantial casualties on both sides, including over 34,600 Palestinians killed and more than 77,900 injured, as reported by Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry. Meanwhile, pressure mounts within Israel for a decisive military response, particularly in Rafah, where a vast number of displaced persons have sought refuge.
This was the moment of the attack from Gaza which killed 3 IDF soldiers at Kerem Shalom and injured many https://t.co/WOQOVD09Wl pic.twitter.com/NdF2dHd0K7
— Documenting Israel (@DocumentIsrael) May 5, 2024
The situation remains tense, with the international community closely watching the developments and the humanitarian impact of the continuing conflict.
