2 more Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza ground assault, death toll rises to 59

By Anadolu Staff

JERUSALEM (AA) — The Israeli army said Sunday that another two of its soldiers were killed in the Gaza Strip, bringing the death toll from its ongoing ground offensive in the blockaded enclave to 59 since Oct. 31.

A statement from the military said another soldier was seriously injured in the fighting in the Palestinian territory.

Israel has killed more than 12,300 Palestinians in its air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip since the Oct. 7 surprise offensive by Hamas. The official Israeli death toll, meanwhile, stands at about 1,200.

Thousands of buildings, including hospitals, mosques, and churches, have either been damaged or destroyed in Israel’s relentless strikes on the besieged enclave.

An Israeli blockade has also cut Gaza off from fuel, electricity, and water supplies, and reduced aid deliveries to a trickle.

Israel has rejected growing calls for a cease-fire until the release of hostages held by Hamas.

* Writing by Ikram Kouachi