By Ahmad Gouda
JERUSALEM (AA) - The Israeli military confirmed on Wednesday that nine of its soldiers were killed in combat in northern Gaza, and an additional four soldiers sustained serious injuries.
According to Israeli dailies, including Yedioth Ahronoth and Maariv, the Israeli army spokesperson said nine soldiers were killed in Gaza Strip combat on Tuesday, while four others sustained severe injuries.
"Nine fighters from the Givati Brigade were killed in an anti-tank rocket attack in Gaza," said Maariv without giving further details.
This week the Israeli army has expanded its air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip, which has been under relentless airstrikes since the Palestinian resistance group Hamas launched a surprise offensive against Israel on Oct. 7.
The death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has climbed to 8,525, include 3,542 children and 2,187 women, the Health Ministry in the blockaded enclave said Tuesday.
More than 1,538 Israelis have been killed in the conflict.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected growing calls for a cease-fire, saying it would be a "surrender" to Hamas.
*Writing by Rania Abu Shamala