By Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, January 23rd
Update: 24 fallen IDF soldiers, defenders and lovers of the land, fell last night in a battle
“Daniel, Shay, Adam, Itamar, Ahmad, Elkana, Sergey, Nir, Sagi, Mark, Israel, Rafael, Barak, Cydrick, Nicholas, Yoav, Yoval, Elkana, Ariel, Eder, Matan, David, Ilay, and Eyal. These are the names of 24 fallen IDF soldiers, defenders and lovers of the land, who fell last night in a battle near Kissufim and in a battle in the heart of Khan Yunis – defending Israel and the security of the southern communities. On behalf of the entire IDF, I want to express our sorrow to the families during this difficult time. The cost of war is heavy and painful. May their memory be a blessing.
The commanders conducted a preliminary investigation in the field today. These are the findings of the investigation:
“Yesterday afternoon, reserve forces operated in central Gaza, near the fence, in an area about 600 meters from the border in the Kissufim area. On October 7th, terrorists came from this area, murdering and kidnapping innocent people from the Kissufim Kibbutz as well as from the military post adjacent to it. The soldiers cleared the area of terrorists and terror infrastructure in a prolonged operation, and at its conclusion, deployed explosives in several structures as part of the operational activity. The incident occurred in a combat zone when a terrorist cell surprised the forces with RPG rocket fire. The first rocket hit one of the buildings in which the explosives were deployed. The hit apparently led to an explosion that caused the collapse of the building and of the adjacent building. Most of the soldiers were killed as a result of the explosion and the collapse of the buildings. Another rocket hit a tank, which was positioned as part of the defensive force in the area, and a commander and soldier who were in the tank’s turret before they managed to fire at the terrorists.
On the northern border, throughout the day, several launches were identified toward Israel. Some of the launches were intercepted, with one rocket hitting an Air Force base, damaging infrastructure that was repaired within a few hours. There were no casualties, and there was no damage to the Air Force’s detection capabilities or the systems operating at the base. Air Force fighter jets struck terror targets in Lebanese territory and destroyed a significant military asset used by the Hezbollah terrorist organization which was also operated by Iranian forces. We will continue to systematically damage Hezbollah’s terrorist cells and capabilities, which it tries to conceal in southern Lebanon, even amidst civilian population. Our readiness in this area is very high, and we continue to strengthen it all the time. We will do whatever is necessary, I repeat, whatever is necessary, in the northern arena, to safely return the residents of the north to their homes.”
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This is a developing story that HO1 will continue to monitor.
Check back for updates.
⚡[UPDATE-Day 110-Jan 24-22:30Z] RPG used by Hamas, their most effective weapon in war
⚔️ ‘I am telling Hamas, Surrender or Die!’ ⚔️
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