Israel loses five soldiers after roadside bomb blasts in northern Gaza Several wounded

At least five Israeli soldiers were killed and 14 others injured—two critically—after a roadside bomb exploded in the northern Gaza town of Beit Hanoun late on Monday, July 7, amid ongoing ground operations.

The deadly incident occurred as infantry units, moving without armoured support, were struck by an improvised explosive device (IED). The Israeli military (IDF) confirmed the explosion took place during a mission to clear the area of remaining Hamas fighters, Caliber.Az reports, citing Israeli media.

Preliminary IDF investigations suggest the troops were advancing on foot when the bomb detonated. During efforts to evacuate the wounded, Israeli forces reportedly came under heavy fire from militants entrenched in the area.

The location of the ambush had previously been hit by Israeli airstrikes as part of preparatory actions for the ground operation.

The troops involved belonged to the Netzah Yehuda Battalion, operating under the command of the Northern Brigade of the IDF's Gaza Division. They were reportedly working in coordination with a reserve paratrooper brigade.

By Khagan Isayev