Israeli army kills its own soldiers amidst crossfire in Gaza

An Israeli military tank killed five Israel Defence Forces (IDF) soldiers amidst crossfire in the northern Gaza Strip, confirmed by the international media on Thursday.

The incident occurred on Wednesday after the IDF entered northern Gaza again this month following reports of attempts by Hamas, a Palestinian resistance group, to reorganise. 

"A tank crossfire involving the 202nd battalion resulted in the tragic loss of five soldiers, with several others sustaining injuries. The injured soldiers were promptly evacuated for further medical treatment, and their families were informed," the Israel's military said in a statement.

According to the BBC, Israeli media reported seven soldiers sustaining injuries, with three in critical condition. 

As the IDF unleashed violence from north to south, civilians in Gaza are scrambling for shelter. Palestinian armed groups are engaging Israeli troops in small ambushes.

Israeli forces have intensified airstrikes, targeting Jabalia in the north and Rafah in the south, where thousands of civilians have sought refuge. 

The United Nations reported that nearly 600,000 Palestinians seeking shelter have been forced to relocate since the beginning of an Israeli ground invasion on the eastern outskirts of the city nine days ago, leaving 150,000 displaced within the last 48 hours.

According to the International Rescue Committee (IRC), the Israeli offensive in Rafah has obstructed humanitarian activities.

Despite Hamas accepting a ceasefire deal mediated by Qatar and Egypt, Israeli officials asserted that the attack on Rafah will not be shelved.

The IDF occupied the Rafah crossing on May 7 and restricted the entry of both humanitarian personnel and aid supplies.

The death toll from Israeli atrocities has reached 34,568 with 79,141 wounded and many still under the rubble, since October 7.

According to UN Women, "More than one million Palestinian women and girls in Gaza have limited access to food and safe water, leading to the spread of disease in deplorable living conditions."