Staff Sgt. Amit Cohen, 19, of Israel’s Golani Brigade, was killed Monday by an explosion during a new IDF ground operation in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza. An officer was seriously injured. Preliminary findings suggest the blast came from Israeli munitions in a possible operational accident.
This marks the first ground incursion into the area, previously avoided due to concerns about Hamas-held hostages. The IDF has warned civilians to evacuate, but the UN says over 600,000 Palestinians are already sheltering nearby with minimal water and sanitation access.
Amid growing international concern, the WHO reported its Gaza staff residence and warehouse were attacked and demanded the release of detained employees. Talks for a ceasefire continue in Qatar.
