The Israeli army has made “significant” gains during the ground operation in the Gaza Strip”but “he is also paying a heavy price,” said Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallad.

“We are deploying forces on a large scale, deep in Gaza,” the Times of Israel reported Gallant as telling Israeli air force soldiers.

“Battles are being fought against the forces operating in Gaza and the results and achievements on the battlefield are very high. Unfortunately in war there is also a price and on the last day it was heavy. However, we are also determined to continue and win,” Gallant said.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said earlier that two soldiers were killed and two others were seriously injured during clashes with Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday.