JERUSALEM (VINnews) — An Israeli soldier was killed Wednesday and another 13 injured during fighting in the southern Gaza Strip, bringing the toll of troops who have fallen in the ground offensive against Hamas since late October to 247.
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The soldier was named as Staff Sgt. David Sasson, 21, a member of the Oketz canine unit from the village of Ganot Hadar. Among the 12 wounded in the same battle against Hamas operatives, five sustained serious injuries, according to the Israel Defense Forces. One other soldier was seriously injured in a separate incident.
The troops, members of the Oketz unit and Commando Brigade, had raided a multi-story building in the Hamad Town residential complex in Khan Younis, when several Hamas terrorists ambushed them. The soldiers were hit by gunfire, RPGs, and an explosive device, according to an IDF probe. The troops succeeded in fighting back and killing two of the terrorists, as well as conducting a manhunt and killing two others.
The raid of Hamad Town, which started Saturday night, continues as the IDF locates further Hamas infrastructure in the town, situated west of Khan Younis near the Israeli border.
The Maglan and Egoz commando units, along with the Navy’s Shayetet 13 and Shin Bet agents, have been carrying out building-to-building searches in Hamad.
The commandos captured “many” terrorists who surrendered to them in the neighborhood, including a Hamas sniper squad commander and two other commanders, the IDF said.
Troops have also seized firearms, explosives, and military equipment, including scuba gear, in the residential buildings, according to IDF reports.
BDE. HYD.
Refuah to the injujred.
You are true hero, a life cut too short.. We are so proud of you.