Click to see full-size image. Source: the Israeli Defense Forces.
On November 4, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged that four more soldiers were killed in clashes with the Hamas Movement and other Palestinian armed factions in the Gaza Strip.
The IDF identified the casualties as a company commander and two soldiers from the 84th “Givati” Brigade’s reconnaissance unit as well as a combat medic from the Air Force’s elite Unit 5101 “Shaldag”. The circumstances of their death were not revealed.
The four casualties brought the toll of slain soldiers since Israel launched its ground operation in Gaza last week to 28, and 345 since the Hamas-led surprise attack on October 7.
In what appears to be a response to its recent losses, the IDF carried out a series of strikes against Gaza late on November 4. One of the strikes hit the Maghazi refugee camp in the center of the Strip, killing at least 51 civilians including children.
Clashes continued in Gaza overnight. Hamas’ military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, announced on November 5 morning that it had ambushed an IDF unit to the east of the city of Khan Yunis in the southern part of the strip. Two main battle tanks were allegedly destroyed in the ambush.
Meanwhile, IDF Arabic Spokesman Avichay Adraee said that Israel will reopen a corridor for Gazan civilians in the north of the Strip to escape south.
Adraee writes on X that Israel will open the Salah-al-Din Road for southward traffic between 10:00 a.m. and 02:00 p.m. on November 5.
“For your safety, take advantage of the time to move south beyond Wadi Gaza,” the spokesman said.
The IDF made no notable progress in the last 24 hours. Israeli troops were apparently working to solidify and secure their newly-captured positions to the south of Gaza City. Soon, they will likely resume advance from the north along Gaza beach. A surprise attack on the southern part of the Strip is also possible considering recent heavy strikes and incursions in this area.
