Five Israeli soldiers were killed and two others critically wounded in northern Gaza overnight, the Israeli military confirmed on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. According to Israeli media, the soldiers were on a routine patrol when explosive devices detonated, followed by gunfire from militants targeting reinforcements arriving to evacuate casualties.

The incident marks one of the deadliest for the Israeli military in recent weeks amid continued ground operations in Gaza’s urban north, an area where clashes with Hamas and other militant factions remain intense.

In retaliation, Israeli airstrikes across multiple locations in Gaza reportedly killed at least 18 people, with several injuries reported. The strikes targeted what the IDF called "terror infrastructure and weapons depots", though local reports indicate that civilian structures may also have been hit.

The renewed wave of violence adds to the growing death toll on both sides and complicates ongoing ceasefire discussions mediated by regional players. As tensions escalate, humanitarian agencies have raised concerns over worsening conditions for civilians in Gaza.