Twenty-one Israeli soldiers were killed in fighting on Monday, Jan. 22 in Gaza, according to the Israel Defense Forces, marking the single deadliest attack on Israel’s army since the war with Hamas began in October. In a televised statement on Tuesday, Jan. 23, an IDF spokesperson said the reservists were demolishing buildings near the border between Israel and Gaza using explosives in an effort to secure the area so residents of southern Israel could return back home.

That’s when the IDF said an rocket-propelled grenade was fired at a tank that was protecting the troops. At the same time, an explosion occurred in the buildings, causing the structures to collapse, killing 21 soldiers. The IDF is still investigating what caused the building explosions. Three other soldiers were killed in fighting earlier on Monday, bringing the day’s death toll to 24.

“Yesterday we experienced one of our most difficult days since the war erupted,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. “In the name of our heroes, for the sake of our lives, we will not stop fighting until absolute victory.”

So far, 219 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza since the country began its operations.

Earlier on Monday, Jan. 22, Palestinian health officials said Israeli forces stormed a hospital in Southern Gaza. The IDF issued a statement reiterating its claims that Hamas “embeds itself in civilian population,” including in hospitals and schools.

U.S., U.K. launch more strikes against Houthi targets

Meanwhile, the U.S. and the U.K. launched a new round of strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen on Monday, Jan. 22.

U.S. Forces, Allies Conduct Joint Strikes in Yemen

As part of ongoing international efforts to respond to increased Houthi destabilizing and illegal activities in the region, on Jan. 22 at approximately 11:59 p.m. (Sanaa / Yemen time), U.S. Central Command forces alongside UK… pic.twitter.com/BQwEKZqMAo

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) January 22, 2024

U.S. Central Command said the second round of attacks by the two nations struck missile systems and launchers, air defense systems, radars, and deeply buried weapon storage facilities. Central Command added that the strikes are intended to degrade the capability of the Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists from continuing their attacks on ships in the Red Sea.