An Israel Defense Forces soldier was killed fighting Hamas terrorists in the southern Gaza Strip, the military announced on Tuesday morning.
The fallen soldier was identified as Sgt. Maj. (res.) Vladimir Loza, 39, of the 5th Brigade’s 7020th Battalion, from the southern city of Ashkelon.
On Monday night, the military announced the death of Staff Sgt. Amit Cohen, 19, of the Golani Brigade’s 13th Battalion, from Holon.
According to a preliminary investigation, Cohen was killed when Israeli munitions exploded inside a building in Khan Yunis. The IDF said it was continuing to probe the cause of the blast.
The death toll among Israeli troops since the start of the Gaza ground incursion on Oct. 27, 2023, stands at 451, and at 895 on all fronts since the Hamas-led massacre on Oct. 7, 2023, according to official IDF data.
“My wife, Sara and I, send our heartfelt condolences to the families of Staff Sgt. Amit Cohen, of blessed memory, a Golani fighter, and Sgt. Maj. (res.) Vladimir Loza, of blessed memory, a fighter in Battalion 7020, who fell in battle in Gaza,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“Amit and Vladimir fought bravely to protect Israel’s security, and together with the entire nation, we mourn their loss and embrace their dear families,” Netanyahu continued. “We also pray for the full recovery of those wounded in the difficult incidents.”
“May the memory of our heroes be blessed and forever cherished,” the premier concluded.
The IDF is continuing to press ahead with ground operations across Gaza as part of “Operation Gideon’s Chariots,” a campaign to dismantle Hamas’s remaining military capabilities, take control of key areas in the Strip and secure the release of the 50 captives.
“IDF troops, directed by Southern Command and guided by the Military Intelligence Directorate and Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet), continue to operate against terrorist groups throughout the Gaza Strip,” the IDF said on Tuesday afternoon.
Forces of the 36th Armored Division, aka the Ga’ash Formation, are conducting focused operations in southern Gaza, targeting terrorist infrastructure and engaging in operations aimed at consolidating and deepening recent operational achievements, the military stated.
In Khan Yunis, the Kfir Brigade’s combat team carried out an overnight raid, locating and confiscating multiple grenades, explosives, mortars and tactical communication equipment used by terrorist operatives.
Meanwhile, the IDF’s 98th Paratroopers Division continued ground operations in the areas of Shuja’iyya and Zeitun. With support from aerial units, 10 terrorists were eliminated within 24 hours, and dozens of terrorists have been killed in recent days.
Hundreds of ground and aerial strikes have supported troops, resulting in the precise destruction of terrorist infrastructure such as observation posts, launch positions, weapons storage sites and many tunnels.
During the operation, soldiers from the 7th Brigade spotted three armed terrorists in camouflage advancing toward IDF forces. Within moments, reserve units from the Commando Brigade, in close coordination with Israeli Air Force aircraft and guided by the division’s fire control center, successfully intercepted and neutralized the threat.
In a separate incident, a terror cell was detected while attempting to plant explosives intended for use against Israeli troops. The operatives were swiftly targeted and eliminated before they could carry out the planned attack.
In Gaza’s northern sector, the Nahal Infantry Brigade is operating in the Daraj Tuffah area, while the Givati Brigade is operating in Beit Hanoun. Both brigades are focused on dismantling terrorist infrastructure, including underground tunnel networks, the military stated.
Additionally, reservists of the 99th “Ha’Bazak” Infantry Division are engaged in ongoing operations in Beit Hanoun and the central Gaza Strip, continuing efforts to locate and neutralize terrorist elements.
