The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced Monday night that three of its soldiers were killed in action during operations against Hamas terrorists in northern Gaza. The soldiers were identified as Capt. Ilay Gavriel Atedgi, 22, of Kiryat Motzkin; Staff Sgt. Netanel Pessach, 21, of Elazar; and Sgt. 1st Class (Res.) Hillel Diener, 21, of Talmon. All three served in the Shimshon Battalion 92 of the Kfir Brigade.
Haifa’s Rambam Medical Center, where Capt. Atedgi’s mother works, expressed its condolences in a heartfelt statement:
“The Rambam family bows its head and embraces the Atedgi family following the death in Gaza of Capt. Ilay Gavriel Atedgi, the late son of hospital employee Eti Atedgi. We send our condolences to the family that lost their most precious in the war for Israel’s security. May they know no more sorrow.”
The soldiers were part of an expanded IDF operation in Gaza’s northern Beit Hanun area, following a raid in nearby Beit Lahiya. The military has intensified its efforts to neutralize Hamas strongholds in the region amidst ongoing counterterrorism operations.
The conflict has taken a heavy toll on IDF personnel. Since the start of the ground operation in Gaza on Oct. 27, 2023—nearly three weeks after Hamas-led terrorist attacks in southern Israel on Oct. 7—the military death toll in Gaza has risen to 389. The total number of IDF fatalities across all fronts since Oct. 7 now stands at 821.
This latest announcement follows last week’s news of two IDF soldiers killed during counterterrorism operations in the Rafah area of southern Gaza.
The loss of Chief Inspector Arnon Zamora, a member of the Israel Border Police’s Yamam National Counter-Terrorism Unit, during a hostage-rescue mission in June, and civilian defense contractor Liron Yitzhak in May, underscores the dangers faced by Israeli forces operating in Gaza.
The IDF remains steadfast in its mission, continuing to combat the resurgence of Hamas while paying tribute to the courage and sacrifice of its soldiers. The fallen are remembered as heroes who gave their lives to ensure Israel’s security.