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The Israeli army reported on Tuesday that 185 soldiers have lost their lives in the ongoing offensive against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. Monday witnessed a grim toll with nine soldiers succumbing in one of the deadliest days for the military since the ground invasion of the Palestinian territory commenced on October 27.
Israel's determination to quell Hamas, Gaza's ruling faction, intensified after the group orchestrated the deadliest attack in the country's history on October 7. The repercussions have been profound, with approximately 1,140 deaths recorded in Israel, the majority being civilians, based on an AFP tally using official figures.
The conflict has also seen Hamas-led militants taking around 250 hostages, a distressing aspect of the humanitarian toll. According to Israeli authorities, 132 hostages are still in captivity, with at least 25 believed to have lost their lives. The hostage situation further complicates an already volatile situation, adding urgency to international efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions and fostering a path towards peace.
As the conflict continues to unfold, the rising casualty figures underscore the severe toll on both sides, amplifying concerns about the humanitarian impact and the urgent need for a diplomatic resolution to mitigate further loss of life and address the deep-rooted issues fueling the protracted conflict.
