Israeli Soldiers Killed in Gaza Explosion Israeli military has confirmed the death of eight of their soldiers in an explosion in the southern city of Rafah on Saturday morning. The incident occurred during a nighttime offensive against Hamas militants and involves an armored vehicle. This incident is the deadliest for Israeli soldiers since January, when 21 people were killed in a building collapse in central Gaza. Details of the Incident The eight soldiers were traveling in a convoy following the nighttime offensive, and they died inside the armored vehicle. One of the victims has been identified as Captain Wassem Mahmoud, 23, of the 601st Combat Engineering Corps Battalion. The families of the other seven soldiers have been informed and their names will be released in due course. Previous Israeli Casualties Four Israeli soldiers died on Monday after a building they were searching in Rafah collapsed. On May 16, a friendly fire incident resulted in the deaths of five soldiers and seven wounded in Jabaliya, north of Gaza. Palestinian Casualties According to Hamas-run health authorities in Gaza, over 37,000 Palestinians have died since the start of the conflict. More than 210 Palestinians were killed when Israel rescued four of their hostages last week. Call for Ceasefire The latest deaths are expected to intensify calls for both sides to adopt the US-backed ceasefire agreement, which was approved by the UN Security Council on Monday. The plan includes the release of hostages, a temporary pause in hostilities, a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and a permanent cessation of hostilities. Hamas’ Response Hamas has expressed willingness to cooperate with mediators in implementing the ceasefire plan’s principles.