Fact Check: Seven IDF soldiers killed in explosion during Gaza combat.

Fact Check: Seven IDF Soldiers Killed in Explosion During Gaza Combat

What We Know

On June 25, 2025, the Israeli military reported that seven of its soldiers were killed in an explosion in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis. This incident marked the highest death toll for the Israeli military in a single event since the collapse of a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas in March 2025. The soldiers, who were part of a combat engineering battalion, were killed when an explosive device detonated near their armored vehicle. Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin, the chief spokesman for the Israeli military, described the event as a "complex" incident that is still under investigation (source-1, source-3).

The Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, claimed responsibility for targeting Israeli forces in Khan Younis, although it remains unclear if this claim directly pertains to the incident involving the seven soldiers (source-1). This incident occurred amid ongoing military operations in Gaza, which have resulted in significant casualties on both sides since the outbreak of hostilities following the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on Israel (source-1, source-5).

Analysis

The claim that seven IDF soldiers were killed in an explosion during combat in Gaza is supported by multiple credible sources. The Associated Press, Reuters, and The New York Times all reported on the incident, confirming the details provided by the Israeli military. Each source corroborates the information regarding the soldiers' deaths due to an explosive device and the context of ongoing military operations in the region (source-2, source-4, source-6).

The reliability of these sources is generally high, as they are well-established news organizations with a history of reporting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, it is important to note that the situation in Gaza is highly volatile, and information can sometimes be contested or politically charged. The claims made by Hamas regarding their involvement in the incident should be approached with caution, as they may serve propaganda purposes (source-1).

Conclusion

The claim that seven IDF soldiers were killed in an explosion during combat in Gaza is True. This conclusion is based on consistent reports from multiple reputable news sources, all of which confirm the details surrounding the incident and the context of ongoing military operations in the region.

Fact Check: Seven IDF soldiers killed in explosion during Gaza combat.