Netanyahu reacts to deadly ambush in Gaza that killed 7 “Israeli” soldiers

“Israeli” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on the killing of one officer and six soldiers in an ambush in the city of Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip.

“This is a very difficult day for the people of Israel. We mourn the loss of seven of our fighters in Gaza during the battle against Hamas,” Netanyahu said.

'Israeli' Broadcasting Authority described the incident as "one of the most difficult events" the “Israeli” army has experienced in recent months, after a military unit was caught in a well-planned ambush in Khan Younis.

Read more: Three soldiers killed, seven injured including critically in Gaza ambush: Hebrew media

According to details published by the authority, an explosive device was attached to an “Israeli” armored personnel carrier, killing the officer and six soldiers instantly.

It added that the attack revealed the severity of the assault and the army's failure to respond, making it one of the most painful blows since the resumption of ground operations in Gaza in March.

In an official statement, the “Israeli” army confirmed the deaths after notifying the families, noting that a seventh soldier was also killed in the same attack. His identity has not yet been made public.

“Israeli” army radio reported that identifying the soldiers took several hours due to the armored vehicle catching fire after being hit by the explosive. Rescue teams initially failed to extinguish the flames and were only able to contain the fire after the vehicle was dragged into the occupied territories.