ما الذي حدث في "المغازي" التي قتل فيها 24 جندياً إسرائيلياً؟

Summary

The script discusses an attack by Palestinian militants on Israeli forces in Gaza. Militants emerged from a tunnel and fired an anti-tank missile at an armored vehicle, then detonated explosives in a building where Israeli soldiers were located. This killed at least 7 Israeli officers and 14 soldiers total. Israel says it was targeting Palestinian homes and buildings believed to contain tunnels, and was surprised by the extent of tunnels in Gaza. Meanwhile, Hezbollah apparently tried to strike an Israeli military headquarters in Safed with rockets, but details are still emerging.

Takeaways

• 😞 The Israeli army spokesperson described today as a difficult day for Israel, with the heaviest losses since the ground offensive began.
• 😟 Hamas fighters emerged from a tunnel near Maghazi and attacked Israeli troops with an RPG and by detonating explosives in buildings where soldiers were located.
• 😢 At least 21 Israeli soldiers were killed, including 7 officers, mostly reservists from the Golani brigade who had entered to demolish Palestinian homes.
• 🕵️‍♂️ 3 other Israeli soldiers were killed in a separate incident in southern Gaza near Khan Younis.
• 😱 Israel continues to struggle with the extensive tunnel network in Gaza, which allows Hamas fighters to launch surprise attacks.
• 🧨 Israel's strategy of demolishing entire blocks of homes allows them to advance, but also leads to booby-trapped buildings collapsing on their own soldiers.
• 🤔 Israel admits it will likely be unable to destroy most of Gaza's tunnels even after this war ends.
• 💣 Over 1700 tunnel openings are estimated to exist across Gaza.
• ⚔️ Hezbollah apparently tried to strike the Israeli military's Northern Command headquarters in Safed with rockets, but it's unclear if they hit the target.
• 😥 The high accidental death toll of Israeli soldiers from friendly fire reflects the complexity and danger of this ground invasion.

Q & A

What caused the high death toll of Israeli soldiers in Gaza?

The Israeli military admitted it was shocked by the number of tunnels in Gaza, which allow Palestinian fighters to launch surprise attacks. At least 21 Israeli soldiers were killed when militants emerged from a tunnel opening and attacked their building.

What tactics does Israel use when advancing into Gaza?

Israel often deliberately demolishes entire residential blocks to uncover tunnels and detect threats as it advances. This creates massive destruction.

Why can't Israel destroy most of Gaza's tunnels?

There are over 1,700 tunnel openings in Gaza that Israel only partially knows about. Even after this war, Israel likely won't be able to demolish most of the tunnel network.

How did the militants carry out the deadly tunnel attack?

The militants emerged from a tunnel opening near the Israeli soldiers' building. One fired an RPG at the building while the other targeted the tank guarding the troops. The building was booby-trapped, maximizing casualties.

Were there initial fears that soldiers had been captured?

Yes, in initial chaos there were concerns that militants dragged soldiers into the tunnels to capture them, as happened in 2014. But Israel later confirmed all soldiers' bodies were recovered.

Does Israel announcing soldier deaths by friendly fire impact prisoner swap efforts?

When Israel causes accidental deaths, it usually investigates and announces the causes. This might complicate efforts to free prisoners in return for soldiers' remains.

What were the targeted Israeli troops doing in Gaza?

Most were reservists sent to blow up Palestinian homes and uncover tunnels. Ironically, they were killed while inside homes they wired to explode.

Did Hezbollah retaliate for the Gaza invasion?

Yes, Hezbollah fired at least 15 rockets at Israel's northern military headquarters in Safed in an attempt to retaliate for actions in Gaza.

Which Palestinian militant groups carried out the tunnel attack?

Israel says the attackers were members of the Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas' military wing. Other groups like Palestinian Islamic Jihad also use tunnels.

Could there be more such tunnel attacks?

Absolutely, this attack demonstrates the danger of Gaza's tunnel network for Israel. There will likely be attempts by militants to replicate this success in the future if possible.