Tragedy in Northern Gaza: Five IDF Soldiers Killed in Explosive Device Attack
On Tuesday morning, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that five soldiers were killed when an explosive device detonated in Beit Hanun, northern Gaza. The soldiers belonged to the Netzah Yehuda Battalion, part of the Kfir Brigade, and their deaths mark another tragic loss in ongoing military operations.
The fallen soldiers included:
- St.-Sgt. Meir Shimon Amar, 20, from Jerusalem
- Sgt. Moshe Nissim Frech, 20, from Jerusalem
- St.-Sgt. Noam Aharon Musgadian, 20, from Jerusalem
- Sgt.-Maj. Benyamin Asulin, 28, from Haifa
- St.-Sgt. Moshe Shmuel Noll, 21, from Beit Shemesh
The incident occurred when the soldiers’ unit entered the area, and the explosive devices were triggered as they moved through the region. During the evacuation of the wounded, the soldiers encountered gunfire, resulting in 14 additional injuries. These injured personnel were transported by helicopter to various hospitals across Israel for medical treatment.
Reactions from Military and Political Leaders
The Netzah Yehuda Association expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the soldiers, stating: “We bow our heads in honor of the fallen soldiers of the Netzah Yehuda Battalion who gave their lives in battle in the northern Gaza Strip. With broken hearts, we stand alongside the families in mourning the loss of their brave sons – fighters who selflessly risked their lives for the people of Israel.”
According to military reports, Hamas managed to place improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in areas where IDF forces were expected to pass. Despite heavy air cover and artillery fire in the days leading up to the operation, Hamas successfully laid new IEDs in the path of the infantry after initial rounds of bombardment but before the final strike.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered his condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, saying: “On this difficult morning, the entire People of Israel bows its head in mourning for the fall of our heroic fighters, who risked their lives in the battle to defeat Hamas and free all our hostages. We embrace the families who have lost their dearest ones, and we pray for the complete recovery of the wounded in the incident. Their sacrifice and bravery will be etched in our hearts forever.”
Defense Minister Israel Katz also extended his sympathy, stating: “Moshe, Noam, Meir, Benjamin, and Moshe fought heroically and courageously against the Hamas murderers to protect the citizens of Israel and bring back our hostage brothers and sisters. I want to express my heartfelt sympathy to the families. A whole nation embraces you. May their memory be a blessing.”
President Isaac Herzog described the news as heartbreaking, noting the sacrifices made by soldiers from the haredi battalion. He added: “Our heroic sons continue to fight day and night with bravery, facing unimaginable human challenges. It is our sacred duty to learn all necessary lessons to protect the lives of our brave fighters – even deep in the heart of battle.”
Calls for Action and Continued Mourning
Opposition leader Yair Lapid called the event a “difficult and painful morning” and emphasized that the entire State of Israel mourns with the families. He also wished a quick recovery for the wounded.
MK Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats, mourned the loss of the soldiers while urging for a comprehensive hostage deal. He said: “It has already been 641 days that [the remaining] 50 hostages have been held by Hamas. It has already been 21 months that our sons and daughters have been fighting in the Gaza Strip. Today, we must implement a comprehensive hostage exchange deal, bring back our brothers and sisters, and end the war.”
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir described the loss as an “unfathomable pain,” adding: “No words can describe the pain. Sending condolences and a big hug – to the families and friends. And praying for the recovery of the wounded and the safety of the soldiers.”
Blue and White chairman MK Benny Gantz expressed solidarity with the grieving families, saying: “Another difficult morning in which an entire nation mourns the loss of five heroes, the best of our sons, who fell to secure our future and our safety.”
The tragedy highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Israeli forces in the region, as well as the deep emotional toll on both soldiers and their communities.
