An Israeli infantry officer, Lt. Ori Gerlic, was killed in the southern Gaza Strip after an apparent accidental detonation of an Israeli explosive during demolition operations in Khan Younis. The military is investigating the cause of the premature explosion. Gerlic's death adds to the rising toll of Israeli casualties in ongoing ground operations in Gaza, which now stands at 460, including soldiers, police officers, and civilian contractors.

Recent days have seen intensified fighting, including a large-scale attack by Hamas on a military encampment in Khan Younis, which was repelled by Israeli forces. Israeli tanks have reportedly advanced into new areas of Gaza City, signaling preparations for a major offensive. Palestinian media report dozens of fatalities from Israeli strikes, with many casualties among women and children, though these figures have not been independently verified. Israel maintains that it aims to minimize civilian harm and accuses Hamas of operating from civilian areas.