21 Soldiers Killed In A Day In Gaza, These Two Israeli Ministers Firmly Want To Continue War

IDF Staff Kelapa Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi (center) with the Israeli army. (Source; Israel Defense Forces)

JAKARTA - The deaths of 21 Israeli soldiers in Khan Younis on Monday made two ministers in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government firmly state that the war must continue to achieve its goal of eliminating the Hamas militant group.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Tuesday it was a "difficult and painful morning" after the military announced 21 soldiers were killed in an incident in the southern Gaza Strip yesterday.

The soldiers died when two buildings collapsed as a result of a major explosion and a tank appeared to have been hit by an RPG.

"Our hearts are with our beloved family in their most difficult times," wrote Defense Minister Gallant, as reported by The Times of Israel January 23.

"This is a war that will determine Israel's future over the next few decades. The death of the army forces us to achieve the purpose of the battle," continued Defense Minister Gallant.

Meanwhile, Israel's right-wing political and Security Minister Itamar Ben-gvir said the deaths of the soldiers made it clearer that Israel should not stop its military operations in the Gaza Strip.

"We must continue to defeat, destroy and slaughter Nazi enemies in Gaza, with all our might," he said.

"The blood of hundreds of our best sons was not shed in vain," he continued.

"I hope we can become worthy for them and fulfill their wishes, written in blood, destroy and eliminate Hamas and return all hostages. May their memories be blessed," he stressed.