IDF announces 4 soldiers killed, 6 wounded during fighting in northern Gaza

Four soldiers were killed and six were wounded during fighting in the northern Gaza Strip on Saturday, the Israel Defense Forces announced, bringing Israel’s toll in the ground offensive against Hamas to 402, Report informs via The Times of Israel.

The slain troops were named Sgt. Maj. (res.) Alexander Fedorenko, 37, from Bat Yam; Staff Sgt. Danila Diakov, 21, from Maale Adumim; Sgt. Yahav Maayan, 19, from Modiin; and Sgt. Eliav Astuker, 19, from Ashdod.

Among the six wounded troops, two were listed in serious condition.

According to an initial IDF probe, the soldiers in northern Gaza’s Beit Hanoun were hit by an explosive device set off by gunmen, who also opened fire at them.

The IDF has recently intensified its offensive against Hamas in the far north of the Gaza Strip, an operation that has been ongoing since last October. The offensive is now focusing on the Beit Hanoun area after raids in Jabalia and Beit Lahiya.