In a tragic incident on Monday, twenty-one Israeli reserve soldiers lost their lives when two buildings collapsed on them after Hamas initiated an attack on a nearby tank, the Israeli military confirmed on Tuesday. The day's casualties reached a staggering 24, marking the highest number of deaths in a single day for Israel during its ongoing war with Hamas. This unfortunate event occurred near the Gaza-Israel border, where a group of Israeli reservists were engaged in the removal of structures and terrorist infrastructure.

According to Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, a military spokesperson, the buildings that collapsed were most likely rigged with explosives by Israeli forces, as they had plans to demolish terror infrastructure in the area. Simultaneously, militants fired a rocket-propelled grenade at a tank situated nearby, triggering the explosion and subsequent collapse. Several additional soldiers sustained injuries due to the incident.

Expressing his condolences, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, the Israeli military chief of staff, conveyed his heartfelt sympathy and acknowledged the heavy burden of loss borne by the families of the fallen soldiers. "On this day, we feel the great and painful cost of war, but that which we are fighting is necessary and justified," he stated.

The military wing of Hamas claimed responsibility for the attack, asserting that it had successfully destroyed a building and a tank guarding the area. Meanwhile, the conflict in Gaza has claimed the lives of over 25,000 Palestinians, as confirmed by health officials in the region. The toll includes combatants as well as civilians, primarily women and children.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in response to the incident, declared that a thorough inquiry would be conducted. The tragedy comes at a time when voices of dissent against the war in Israel are growing. Over the weekend, thousands of protesters gathered in Tel Aviv, urging Netanyahu to step down from office.

The funeral service for 24-year-old Captain Ilay Levy, held on Tuesday at the Kiryat Shaul military cemetery outside Tel Aviv, was attended by hundreds of mourners despite the pouring rain. Levy's sister, Ori, spoke at the service, recounting the bittersweet moment when he encouraged her to join the army just hours before his untimely death. Emotional and wearing her military uniform, she paid tribute to her fallen brother.

Opinions among those attending the funeral varied regarding the direction of the war, but they all shared the grief and pain caused by its consequences. Rami Sherman expressed a belief in the necessity of the war, emphasizing the importance of unity in the volatile Middle East. Abigail Shir, on the other hand, questioned the decision-making of the war cabinet and critically pondered whether dying for a country plagued by internal conflicts was truly justifiable.

As Israel mourns the loss of these brave soldiers, the nation continues to navigate the complexities and escalating toll of the ongoing conflict, searching for a resolution that will bring lasting peace to the region.