ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Seven Israeli soldiers were killed in a deadly improvised explosive device (IED) attack on an armored personnel carrier (APC) during a military operation in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, on Tuesday evening, marking one of the deadliest incidents involving Israeli ground forces in recent months.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the deaths on Wednesday after notifying the families of six of the soldiers. The seventh soldier’s identity remains undisclosed pending formal identification.
IED Attack Targets Combat Engineers in Khan Younis
According to IDF sources, the explosion occurred around 5:30 p.m. as troops from the 605th Combat Engineering Battalion, operating under the Barak Division (188), were conducting clearance operations in Khan Younis. A terrorist reportedly managed to attach an explosive device to the APC, which detonated and engulfed the vehicle in flames.
Emergency responders, including helicopters and a D-9 bulldozer, were dispatched. The bulldozer poured sand over the burning vehicle in an attempt to extinguish the fire. The damaged APC was later towed back into Israeli territory, where forensic teams began recovery efforts.
IDF Releases Names of Six Fallen Soldiers
The Israeli military released the names of six soldiers killed in the blast:
Lieutenant Matan Shai Yashinovski*, 21, of Kfar Yona — Platoon Commander, 605th Combat Engineering Battalion
Staff Sergeant Ronel Ben-Moshe*, 20, of Rehovot — Fighter, 605th Battalion
Staff Sergeant Niv Radia*, 20, of Eliakhin — Fighter, 605th Battalion
Sergeant Ronen Shapiro*, 19, of Mazkeret Batya — Fighter, 605th Battalion
Sergeant Shahar Manoav*, 21, of Ashkelon — Fighter, 605th Battalion
Sergeant Maayan Baruch Pearlstein*, 20, of Aschar — Fighter, 605th Battalion
One soldier remains unnamed as the notification process is ongoing.
Background: Ongoing Ground Operations in Gaza
The IDF has been carrying out expanded ground operations in southern Gaza amid escalating hostilities with Hamas. Engineering units like the 605th Battalion have played a critical role in clearing routes and detecting explosive devices in conflict zones.
This latest loss underscores the ongoing risks facing Israeli forces in Gaza and highlights the intensity of the current phase of ground engagement in urban areas such as Khan Younis.
