Beit Hanoun, July 08 (V7N) — A roadside bomb explosion in northern Gaza has killed five Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers and injured 14 others, marking one of the deadliest single attacks on Israeli troops in recent weeks. The blast occurred in Beit Hanoun, an area that has witnessed heavy fighting since the start of Israel's ground operations in the enclave.

The IDF identified one of the deceased soldiers as Staff Sergeant Moshe Shmuel Noll, a 21-year-old member of the Netzah Yehuda Battalion, a unit composed primarily of ultra-Orthodox Jewish volunteers. The names of the four other soldiers have not yet been released.

The community in Beit Shemesh, where Noll resided, is in mourning. A special prayer service was held for him at the local synagogue, according to The Times of Israel.

Analysts suggest that the incident may prompt Israel to intensify its military operations in Gaza, amid growing criticism of its current security approach. In the past 24 hours alone, more than 40 Palestinians have reportedly been killed in Gaza, according to the local health ministry.

The escalation comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump met at the White House to discuss the ongoing conflict and potential ceasefire negotiations.

Despite the rising death toll, Trump stated that the recent Israeli military casualties would not derail ceasefire efforts. Netanyahu, for his part, revealed that Israel and the U.S. are developing a joint plan to resettle displaced Palestinians from Gaza in third countries, saying, “Some countries are ready to come forward.”

In a symbolic move during their meeting, Netanyahu handed Trump a letter nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize, citing his efforts in accelerating Middle East peace talks. Trump’s longtime associate and real estate developer Steve Witkoff commented, “This is an opportunity to end the war.”

The deadly attack and shifting political discussions add new urgency to diplomatic efforts as international observers call for an end to the humanitarian and military crisis in Gaza.

Source: Times of Israel

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