Israel investigates the death of 21 reservists in Gaza after they were attacked and two buildings collapsed on them
Both buildings had previously been mined by the Israeli army for demolition and an armored vehicle accompanying the troops was attacked with an anti-tank missile just before the collapse.
A spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the death of 21 reserve soldiers when two buildings in which the military were operating collapsed. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari indicated that the causes of the collapse of the floors is being investigated, although he noted that just before the collapse, there had been an attack with an anti-tank missile on an armored vehicle that was next to the troops. Both buildings had been mined by the Israeli army for demolition.
"Create security conditions for the return of the inhabitants"
In a press conference, Hagari reported that the troops were near Kisufim, in an area that separates the Israeli settlements in Gaza, about 600 meters from the border. The mission of the soldiers deployed was "the removal of terrorist buildings and buildings" in that area to "create security conditions for the return of the inhabitants of the south to their homes."
"Until absolute victory"
As soon as the event became known, rescue teams moved to the area to help the soldiers and commanders already present to locate and rescue as many survivors as possible, as well as the bodies of the deceased. A task that Hagari described as "very complicated" and that lasted until the last hours of the day. The spokesperson announced that they would publish the names of the fallen as their identities were confirmed, as well as the conclusions of the ongoing investigation to clarify what happened.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lamented the deaths of the soldiers on Twitter and insisted on an ongoing investigation to clarify the facts, in addition to insisting that "in the name of our heroes, for the sake of our lives, we will not stop fighting until absolute victory."