The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit released information on Thursday morning identifying two IDF soldiers who lost their lives in combat in the northern Gaza Strip. Captain Asaf Master, 22, from Kibbutz Bahan, served as a platoon commander in the 601st Battalion, 401st Brigade, while Captain Kfir Itzhak Franco, 22, from Jerusalem, served as a platoon commander in the 52nd Battalion, 401st Brigade.
Additionally, an IDF reservist officer from Battalion 9217 sustained serious injuries in the northern Gaza Strip battle, and another IDF reservist from the Southern Brigade suffered serious injuries during an operational activity near the Gaza border. The families of the deceased and injured soldiers have been informed.
Major General Yaron Finkelman, the head of the IDF Southern Command, joined the troops in Gaza on Wednesday. He emphasized the ongoing operations within Gaza City, particularly in the A-Shati refugee camp, where significant control has been gained.
“We continue and operate in the core of Gaza City, in the core of the capital of terrorism. We are deep inside the A-Shati refugee camp, over which we have slowly gained control. Our forces have killed many terrorists here, captured many, and destroyed many infrastructures,” he said. “At the same time, the operation continues in the south of the city and tonight we entered the Shifa Hospital in for a targeted operation. We will continue and move forward in light of our operational plans, and will continue to strike the enemy.”
US President Joe Biden addressed the situation on Wednesday night, accusing Hamas of committing war crimes by operating from beneath hospitals. Regarding Israel’s military operation at Shifa Hospital, Biden stressed discussions with Israeli officials about the necessity of extreme caution. He acknowledged Israel’s efforts to provide assistance to the hospital, ensuring the safety of doctors and nurses.
He noted that Israel is “bringing in incubators and other means to help the people in the hospital. I’m told the doctors and nurses the opportunity to get out of harm’s way. This is a different situation than before with indiscriminate bombing.”
{Matzav.com Israel}
