Israeli forces suffered their worst single-day losses in over a month during a bloody Hamas ambush — which also claimed the life of the highest ranking officer killed since fighting broke out, officials announced Wednesday.
A total of 10 Israeli Defense Force (IDF) soldiers were killed in Gaza in the past 24 hours, including 44-year-old Col. Itzhak Ben Basat, according to the Times of Israel.
Many of the troops were killed in Gaza City’s Shejaia district, when they were surprised by Hamas terrorists while trying to rescue another group of soldiers, according to Reuters.
It was the worst single-day loss the IDF had since October 31, when 15 troops were killed.
Hamas proudly flaunted news of the casualties, claiming they demonstrated Israel’s inability to bring Gaza to its knees.
“The longer you stay there, the greater the bill of your deaths and losses will be, and you will emerge from it carrying the tail of disappointment and loss, God willing,” the terrorist organization said.
Heavy fighting continued throughout the day in both north and southern Gaza.
Bombing runs were flown by Israeli warplanes across the length of the territory, while winter rains created wet fighting conditions for troops on the ground.
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