In one of the deadliest clashes of Israel's ground war against Hamas in Gaza, nine soldiers, including some top officers, were killed in an ambush by Hamas terrorists in the Shejaiya section of Gaza City. The incident occurred on Tuesday, and another soldier was killed in a separate attack farther north.

Fox News was present at the Zikim base, located on the northern Gaza border, just a few miles away from the intense battle. The base, surrounded by sand dunes and with the Mediterranean Sea nearby, witnessed a steady stream of troops heading towards and away from the combat zone during the course of several hours.

The soldiers, riding in pumped-up, open-top Humvees, resembled extras from a post-apocalyptic film. Those on their way to the front lines appeared more tentative, while those returning looked relieved to have a break from the intense urban combat. Many of the soldiers were young enlisted personnel and reserve soldiers.

During an interview with Major "Isaac," a veteran who had served both on and off in the eight-week ground war, he noted that Hamas terrorists were often hiding but had also shown preparedness in their attacks. Major "Isaac" observed that the battle was taking its toll, as evidenced by the damage inflicted on the Zikim base. Starting on October 7, dozens of Hamas fighters had launched attacks on the base, but the soldiers managed to repel the waves of assailants, killing all 50 terrorists. However, seven soldiers lost their lives in the process.

Major "Omri," another soldier interviewed, expressed confidence in their ability to locate and neutralize the Hamas fighters, even in the underground tunnels. He stated that the enemy seemed tired and vowed that they would be defeated.

The visit to Zikim highlighted the sheer scale of the operation, with thousands of soldiers pouring into the battle from various entry points. It also underscored the toll that the war was taking on all parties involved. The death and destruction suffered by the residents of Gaza, caught in the crossfire, were noted, as well as the strain experienced by the soldiers engaged in combat. Despite the challenges, their determination remained strong.

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has led to a massive Israeli air war and ground offensive. Concerns about the impact on civilian lives in Gaza were raised, to which Major "Isaac" tersely responded that no one wanted to harm innocent civilians.

As the clashes continue, the situation remains tense, with both sides prepared for further confrontations. The conflict has caused significant loss of life and destruction, emphasizing the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the region.