In a devastating loss to Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip, two buildings being wired for demolition exploded in a massive blast. The blast came from mines that had been laid by the IDF, which brought down two buildings about 600 meters from the Kissufim crossing to Israel, collapsing on the main force of reserve soldiers. It is unclear what triggered the blast, although a tank guarding the soldiers was hit simultaneously by RPG fire, which may have triggered the explosions.

21 fighters in the reserves were killed in the events and many more injured. Additional IDF forces sent in to rescue them reportedly came under fire, with a tank receiving a direct hit that killed two. The families of the soldiers have been notified. 3 other soldiers died in separate incidents, making it the most deadly day by far since the ground campaign started.

The IDF continues to encircle Khan Yunis and inflict heavy losses on Hamas there.