In one of the deadliest clashes during Israel’s ground war in Gaza against Hamas, nine soldiers, including some top officers, were killed, with several others injured. The incident occurred when Hamas militants ambushed troops on a mission in the Shejaiya section of Gaza City. Additionally, on the same day, another soldier lost his life farther north.
Fox News spent time that day, just a few miles away, at the Zikim base on the northern Gaza border, a dusty place with sand dunes around and the Mediterranean Sea nearby.
We watched for several hours as troops steadily streamed toward and away from the battle. They rode in pumped-up, open-top Humvees that sometimes made them look more like extras in a “Mad Max” movie. the deadliest clashes
The troops entering the area traveled side-by-side in troop carrier trucks, displaying a sense of caution and tentativeness. On the contrary, those departing appeared visibly relieved, taking a break from what was described as some of the most intense urban combat in decades. Expressing their relief, some even gave thumbs up gestures. Notably, among the soldiers, there was a mix of enlisted and reserve personnel, and many of them appeared quite young.
Major “Isaac,” a veteran with significant experience in the eight-week ground war, was asked about the nature of the fight. In response, he expressed, “I need to pick a word,” and then characterized it as “tough.” Elaborating, he acknowledged that Hamas was “hiding… some of the time” and emphasized that the heavily-armed terrorists were well-prepared for the conflict.