Tanya Sen
5 June 2024
An explosion rocked an Israeli military base located in the Negev Desert, leaving nine soldiers injured, two of them in critical condition. The incident occurred on Tuesday, as confirmed by the army in Jerusalem on Wednesday.
According to an official statement from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), the explosion, caused by ordnance, took place at a military facility in southern Israel.
The injured soldiers were promptly evacuated and are currently receiving medical treatment. The severity of the injuries varied, with two soldiers reported to be in serious condition. The army has not disclosed further details about the nature of the ordnance involved or the specific activities being conducted at the military base at the time of the explosion.
The timing of the incident coincides with heightened tensions in the region as the Israeli army continues its campaign against Hamas, the militant group controlling the Gaza Strip. Since Hamas’s unprecedented attack on October 7, targeting Israeli territory, the conflict has escalated, resulting in significant casualties on both sides.
According to figures from the Agence France-Presse (AFP), the attack by Hamas has claimed the lives of at least 1,194 people on the Israeli side, predominantly civilians. In retaliation, Israel’s offensive has resulted in the deaths of at least 36,550 Palestinians, primarily civilians, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-controlled territories.
Further updates regarding the circumstances surrounding the explosion and the condition of the injured soldiers are awaited as the investigation progresses.
Shruti Suman
