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- 21 soldiers killed in action: Details on deadliest day of fighting in Gaza ground operation
21 soldiers killed in action: Details on deadliest day of fighting in Gaza ground operation
The Israeli military's spokesperson confirmed that 21 soldiers were killed in action, in the southern Gaza Strip, more names to be announced throughout the day
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Tuesday 21 soldiers were killed in action overnight, raising the death toll of the Gaza ground operation to 221. The Israeli military's spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, scheduled a morning brief to address the deadly incident.
According to Hagari, a RPG missile was fired and two explosions occurred, the building structures likely exploded due to explosives inside, and the situation was still being investigated. There were a total of 21 victims who will be announced throughout the day. So far, 17 families were notified and the casualties identified.
Israel's President Isaac Herzog released a statement, on this single deadliest day of the war, calling it "an unbearably difficult morning."
"Behind every name is a family whose world has fallen on one, a family that we take to our hearts with sorrow and pain, and at the same time with pride - for the heroism of our generation, for the mission and the evils, for sticking to the goal and for the love of the people and the homeland,” the president said.
“The intense battles are taking place in an extremely challenging space, and we are strengthening the soldiers of the IDF and the security forces who are working with endless determination to realize the goals of the fighting," Herzog stated.
“On behalf of the entire nation, I console the families and pray for the healing of the wounded. Even on this sad and difficult morning, we are strong and remember that together we will win,” he concluded.
Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, later released a statement on "one of the most difficult days since the outbreak of the war."
"I wish to strengthen the dear families of our heroic warriors who fell on the battlefield. I know that for these families, their lives will be changed forever," the prime minister said. "I mourn for our fallen heroic soldiers. I hug the families in their time of need and we all pray for the peace of our wounded."
"The IDF has launched an investigation into the disaster. We must learn the necessary lessons and do everything to preserve the lives of our warriors," Netanyahu stated. "In the name of our heroes, for our lives, we will not stop fighting until the absolute victory."
Sergeant Major (res.) Itamar Tal, 32 years old, from Kibbutz Mesilot, was a fighter in Battalion 6261, Brigade 261, who was killed in action in the southern Gaza Strip.
Sergeant Major (res.) Adam Bismut, 35 years old, from Karnei Shomron, was a fighter in Battalion 6261, Brigade 261, who was killed in action in the southern Gaza Strip.
Sergeant Major (res.) Shay Biton Hayun, 40 years old, from Zichron Ya'akov, was a fighter in Battalion 6261, Brigade 261, who was killed in action in the southern Gaza Strip.
Sergeant Major (res.) Zegeye Daniel Kasau, 38 years old, from Yokne'am Illit, was a fighter in Battalion 6261, Brigade 261, who was killed in action in the southern Gaza Strip.
Sergeant first class (res.) Israel Socol, 24 years old, from Karnei Shomron, was a fighter in Battalion 8208, Brigade 261, who was killed in action in the southern Gaza Strip.
Sergeant first class (res.) Ahmad Abu Latif, 26 years old, from Rahat, was a fighter in Battalion 8208, Brigade 261, who was killed in action in the southern Gaza Strip.
Captain (res.) Nir Binyamin, from Givatayim, 29 years old, was a fighter in Battalion 8208, Brigade 261, who was killed in action in the southern Gaza Strip.
Master Sergeant (res.) Elkana Vizel, from Bnei Dekalim, 35 years old, was a fighter in Battalion 8208, Brigade 261, who was killed in action in the southern Gaza Strip.
Sergeant First Class (res.) Sagi Idan, from Rosh Ha’Ayin, 24 years old, was a fighter in Battalion 8208, Brigade 261, who was killed in action in the southern Gaza Strip.
Sergeant Major (res.) Mark Kononovich, from Herzliya, 35 years old, was a fighter in Battalion 8208, Brigade 261, who was killed in action in the southern Gaza Strip.
Captain (res.) Ariel Mordechay Wollfstal, from Elazar, 28 years old, was a fighter in Battalion 9206, Brigade 205, who was killed in action in the southern Gaza Strip.
Sergeant major (res.) Matan Lazar, 32 years old, from Haifa, was a fighter in Battalion 6261, Brigade 261, who was killed in action in the southern Gaza Strip.
Sergeant major (res.) Rafael Elias Mosheyoff, 33 years old, from Pardes Hanna-Karkur, was a fighter in Battalion 6261, Brigade 261, who was killed in action in the southern Gaza Strip.
Sergeant major (res.) Barak Haim ben Valid, 33 years old, from Rishon LeZion, was a squad commander in Battalion 6261, Brigade 261, who was killed in action in the southern Gaza Strip.
Sergeant first class (res.) Hadar Kapeluk, 23 years old, from Mevo Beitar, was a squad commander in Battalion 8208, Brigade 261, who was killed in action in the southern Gaza Strip.
Sergeant major (res.) Sergey Gontmaherr, 37 years old, from Ramat Gan, was a fighter in Battalion 8208, Brigade 261, who was killed in action in the southern Gaza Strip.
Sergeant first class (res.) Elkana Yehuda, 25 years old, from Kiryat Arba, was a fighter in Battalion 8208, Brigade 261, who was killed in action in the southern Gaza Strip.
Master sergeant (res.) Yoav Levi, 29 years old, from Yehud-Monosson, was a fighter in Battalion 8208, Brigade 261, who was killed in action in the southern Gaza Strip.
Sergeant first class (res.) Nicholas Berger, 22 years old, from Jerusalem, was a fighter in Battalion 8208, Brigade 261, who was killed in action in the southern Gaza Strip.
Sergeant first class (res.) Cydrick Garin, 23 years old, from Tel Aviv-Yafo, was a fighter in Battalion 8208, Brigade 261, who was killed in action in the southern Gaza Strip.
Sergeant first class (res.) Yoval Lopez, 27 years old, from Alon Shvut, was a fighter in Battalion 9206, Brigade 205, who was killed in action in the southern Gaza Strip.
On Monday, the IDF announced that Major Eli Levy, Major David Nati Alfasi and Captain Eyal Mebaruch Toito were killed in action, during fighting in a different area of the southern Gaza Strip.