Seven Israeli Soldiers Killed in Gaza Blast

News Desk

Islamabad: Seven Israeli soldiers, aged 19 to 21, were killed on Tuesday in one of the deadliest incidents for Israel’s ground forces in recent months. The soldiers, all from the 605th Combat Engineering Battalion attached to the Barak Division (188), were operating in Khan Younis in southern Gaza when a terrorist planted an explosive device on their armored personnel carrier (APC), causing a massive explosion and fire.

The attack occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m. during engineering operations aimed at clearing the area. Initial reports suggest that the explosive was affixed to the vehicle during a combat advance. The resulting blast engulfed the APC in flames.

Firefighting teams responded swiftly, deploying a D9 bulldozer to cover the burning vehicle with sand in an effort to contain the blaze. Despite their efforts, the APC was completely destroyed and had to be towed back into Israeli territory while still burning. Emergency helicopters were also dispatched to assist.

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Once inside Israel, forensic teams began identifying the victims. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) officially released the names of six of the fallen soldiers on Wednesday, following notification of their families. One soldier’s identity has not yet been made public as the IDF completes the identification process.

The soldiers killed in the incident were:

• Lieutenant Matan Shai Yashinovski, 21, from Kfar Yona – platoon commander in the 605th Battalion
• Staff Sergeant Ronel Ben-Moshe, 20, from Rehovot – fighter in the 605th Battalion
• Staff Sergeant Niv Radia, 20, from Eliakhin – fighter in the 605th Battalion
• Sergeant Ronen Shapiro, 19, from Mazkeret Batya – fighter in the 605th Battalion
• Sergeant Shahar Manoav, 21, from Ashkelon – fighter in the 605th Battalion
• Sergeant Maayan Baruch Pearlstein, 20, from Aschar – fighter in the 605th Battalion

This tragic loss marks a significant blow to the Israeli forces operating in Gaza, highlighting the continued dangers faced by troops engaged in ground operations.