IDF Reports Death of Soldier in Gaza

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported the death of Staff Sgt. Amit Friedman, 19, from Or Yehuda, who was killed in combat during the ongoing ground offensive in southern Gaza. His death raises the total number of IDF soldiers killed since the war began on October 7 to 703, with 341 casualties reported since the ground operations commenced on October 29. Friedman was serving in the Nahal Brigade's 932nd Battalion and was posthumously promoted to Staff Sergeant. Additionally, Master Sergeant (res.) Shlomo Yehonatan Hazut, 36, was also killed in Gaza during recent fighting, with three other soldiers injured in the incident. The IDF continues to face significant casualties as it conducts operations against Hamas, with many fatalities resulting from explosive devices. This ongoing conflict has led to serious injuries among soldiers, with 25 currently hospitalized in serious condition.