Explosion in Gaza kills 2 Israeli soldiers, injures 16

According to Hebrew media, a roadside bomb struck an armored vehicle carrying soldiers, resulting in a devastating blast heard as far as the Israeli city of Ashkelon.

The explosion injured at least 16 Israeli soldiers, with four reported in critical condition, and two confirmed dead.

The IOF helicopters were deployed to the scene and dropped flares over Beit Hanoun to aid in the evacuation of the wounded under heavy darkness and ongoing tension.

A second explosion reportedly occurred at the same site, targeting a bomb-laden robot as it was being prepared, further complicating rescue operations.

Israeli outlets described the scene as chaotic, with “fire belts” and widespread confusion as Israeli forces scrambled to secure the area.

A rescue unit that rushed to the scene was also targeted, escalating the severity of the situation. Military vehicles were reportedly on fire, and at least one Israeli soldier is said to be missing.

The unfolding events prompted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to cut short a meeting with a visiting US envoy after receiving an urgent briefing on the incident.

As of late Monday, the IOF had not released a full statement, but sources confirmed that the situation remains fluid.

Sirens were heard in Israeli settlements near the Gaza border, signaling continued instability in the region.

Hebrew media likened the scale and severity of the incident to the recent deadly ambush in Khan Younis, where several Israeli soldiers were killed during intense clashes with Palestinian resistance fighters.