Eight Israeli soldiers were killed in an explosion in the Gaza Strip near Rafah, marking the deadliest incident for the IDF in the area since January.

The soldiers were inside an armored personnel carrier when it was hit by a major blast, which is under investigation to determine if it was caused by a planted bomb or a device placed directly by Hamas operatives.

Hamas claimed responsibility for ambushing the carrier in the Tel Al-Sultan area. The explosion occurred during a convoy movement, without any gunfire.

This incident happened around 5 am following an overnight offensive where the IDF reported killing about 50 gunmen, the U.S. Sun has reported.

The IDF has been advancing in the area for weeks amidst international calls for a ceasefire, which remains elusive more than eight months into the conflict.

Written by B.C. Begley