DaysofPal – The Israeli military announced on Sunday that a soldier was killed by an explosive device in northern Gaza, bringing the total number of Israeli troops killed in the besieged enclave this month to 20, the highest monthly toll in a year of fighting.
The soldier’s death in Jabalia marks the latest in a series of deadly ambushes targeting Israeli forces across Gaza. Just days earlier, seven soldiers were reportedly killed in a single explosion near Khan Younis in the south, in what has become a hallmark of resistance tactics since the ground invasion resumed.
According to the Israeli army, 880 officers and soldiers have been killed since the war began on October 7, 2023. Of these, 438 were killed during the ground invasion of Gaza, and 30 have died since March 18, when Israel resumed its offensive following the collapse of a temporary ceasefire with Hamas.
The mounting toll has sparked growing concern among Israeli analysts and military correspondents. On Monday, Hebrew media described the figures as “shocking,” revealing that over 54 Israelis have been killed across all fronts since the beginning of June alone, making it the bloodiest month for Israeli forces in 2025 so far.
The military correspondent for Israeli Army Radio reported that 21 of the 30 Israeli fatalities since mid-March were caused by explosive devices, underscoring the increasing effectiveness of Palestinian resistance ambushes.
Israeli analyst Avi Ashkenazi criticized the army’s preparedness and supply capacity, warning of deeper institutional failures. “Senior army commanders have seriously failed to build up the strength of the ground forces,” he said.
“The army has neglected the ability to supply equipment to the units that are now at the forefront of the fighting.”
He added, “The unreasonable depletion of Israeli army fighters in Gaza in a never-ending war turns the event into a tragedy that should shake the public.”
According to official army data, 6,029 soldiers have been wounded since the start of the war, including 2,743 during the ground invasion.
Since resuming its military campaign on March 18, Israel has faced a wave of coordinated ambushes and explosive attacks by Palestinian resistance fighters, leading to significant casualties. These attacks have come despite Israel’s overwhelming air and ground power and have fueled public debate within Israel over the cost, duration, and objective of the ongoing war.
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