8 Israeli Soldiers Killed In Southern Gaza In Deadliest Attack In Months

Eight Israeli soldiers were killed in southern Gaza, marking the deadliest attack on Israeli forces in recent months, news agency Associated Press (AP) reported citing the Israeli military on Saturday. The troops died in an explosion, although the military did not provide further details. As per reports, this incident is likely to intensify calls for a cease-fire and increase public frustration over military exemptions for the ultra-Orthodox community.

This follows a January attack where 21 Israeli soldiers were killed by Palestinian militants in Gaza.

Recently, Israel's Supreme Court ordered an end to government subsidies for many ultra-Orthodox men who avoid military service. A new draft law has yet to be passed, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition voted this week to extend exemptions for religious men. The procedural vote caused controversy, occurring during a conflict that has seen hundreds of soldiers killed and many others stationed in Gaza or on the front lines against Hezbollah in Lebanon.