When a rocket-propelled grenade was fired at a nearby tank, it detonated the explosion prematurely and caused the buildings to collapse on top of the soldiers who were preparing explosives to destroy two buildings

According to the Israeli army, it is the worst day for its forces since the start of the war, with 21 soldiers slain in central Gaza.

According to the report, on Monday, when the soldiers were putting up explosives to blow up two buildings, a rocket-propelled grenade was fired at a nearby tank, causing the explosion to go off early and the buildings to collapse on top of them.

"We are currently examining and probing the specifics of the incident and the causes of the blast," Israeli Defense Ministry spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said reporters.

Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel, declared that Israel will not stop fighting until Hamas was completely destroyed.

In a post on X on Tuesday, he described it as "one of the hardest days since the outbreak of the war".

"In the name of our heroes, and for our own lives, we will not stop fighting until absolute victory."

Three troops were slain in a separate attack in southern Gaza, the military said earlier.

According to Gaza health ministry spokesman Ashraf al Qidra, the attack occurred as Israeli forces advanced further into western Khan Younis in Gaza. The assault involved an air, sea, and land bombardment that included storming a hospital and arresting medical personnel.

With 24 deaths, it was the bloodiest day in Gaza for the Israeli Defense Forces since the conflict began in October.

End//voice7news.tv