In a single attack, Hamas killed 24 Israeli Defense Force troops making it the deadliest day for the IDF since the war began. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed that Israel will seek retribution.

This is the highest death toll in a single day for Israel since the war against the Palestinian militant group began in October. The IDF stated on Tuesday that 21 of its members were killed near Khan Younis the day before when Hamas fighters fired anti-tank missiles at them. The resulting blast triggered an explosion that caused the collapse of two buildings while many Israeli troops were either inside the structures or nearby.

“Following the explosion, commanders operating in the field, along with rescue teams that arrived at the scene, have been executing a very complex operation to evacuate the casualties and locate the injured,” the IDF said, according to a report by RT.  Netanyahu called Monday “one of the most difficult days since the outbreak of the war.” He said the IDF was investigating the incident to “draw the necessary lessons and do everything to preserve the lives of our warriors.”

“In the name of our heroes, for the sake of our lives, we will not stop fighting until the absolute victory,” he added.

More than 25,000 people – mostly civilians – have been killed in the Palestinian enclave since the war began, according to Gaza health officials. Hamas triggered the conflict by launching surprise attacks that killed more than 1,100 people – including almost 700 Israeli civilians and 71 foreigners – and taking hundreds of hostages back to Gaza. About 220 IDF soldiers have been killed since the Israeli ground offensive began in late October. –RT

The Israeli government has reportedly proposed a ceasefire for as long as 60 days to allow for the release of all remaining hostages in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. Hamas rejected the offer, multiple media outlets said on Tuesday.