The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported the tragic loss of four soldiers during a combat operation in northern Gaza. The soldiers were involved in an incident that occurred on Saturday morning around 10:00 a.m. near Beit Hanoun, when their vehicle was struck by an explosive device. In addition to the four fatalities, six other soldiers were injured in the blast, with one suffering serious injuries. The IDF is conducting an investigation to determine whether terrorists also opened fire on the soldiers during the incident.
Details of the Incident
The soldiers were traveling in a vehicle when the explosion occurred. The blast resulted in the deaths of Sergeant Major (res.) Alexander Fedorenko, 37, and three other soldiers: Staff Sergeant Danila Diakov, 21, Sergeant Yahav Maayan, 19, and Sergeant Eliav Astuker, 19. The incident took place in the northern region of Gaza, an area known for ongoing conflict.
Profiles of the Fallen Soldiers
Sergeant Major Alexander Fedorenko
Sergeant Major Fedorenko, a heavy truck driver in the 79th Battalion of the 14th ‘Machatz’ Brigade, was a native of Bat Yam. He immigrated to Israel at the age of four and had lived in Bat Yam ever since. Since the outbreak of the war on October 7, Alexander had been serving nearly continuously in the reserves. His family, along with the entire Bat Yam community, mourns his loss.
The Bat Yam municipality expressed its sorrow, offering condolences to Fedorenko’s wife, Irina, and their children, Daniel and Tom. The community described him as a hero of Israel, and his memory will be cherished forever.
Staff Sergeant Danila Diakov
Staff Sergeant Danila Diakov, 21, from Ma’ale Adumim, was a soldier in the 931st Battalion of the Nahal Brigade. The Mayor of Ma’ale Adumim, Guy Yifrach, announced the tragic news of Diakov’s death, expressing his deep sorrow and honoring him as a hero of Israel. Danila leaves behind his parents, Alexander and Natalia, and his sisters Alina and Maya.
Sergeant Yahav Maayan
Sergeant Yahav Maayan, 19, from Modi’in, was also part of the 931st Battalion of the Nahal Brigade. He leaves behind his parents, Gali and Nir, as well as his younger sister Gaya and half-siblings Yehonatan, Agam, and Noya. Yahav was a graduate of the Ort high school in Modi’in-Maccabim-Reut. His loss is deeply felt by his family and community.
Sergeant Eliav Astuker
Sergeant Eliav Astuker, 19, from Ashdod, was a soldier in the 931st Battalion of the Nahal Brigade. Eliav was a graduate of the Amit Yud school in Ashdod. His former school principal, Yaron Carmi, expressed the school’s deep sadness at his passing, remembering him as a beloved student who had a strong sense of duty to his people and country. Eliav’s family and the community are mourning the loss of a bright young man who chose to serve in a combat unit to protect his homeland.
Ongoing Investigation and Impact
The IDF is continuing its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, particularly to determine whether the soldiers were also fired upon by terrorists during the attack. In addition to the fatalities, a reservist officer in the Nahal Brigade and a soldier from the 931st Battalion were severely injured in the explosion.
FAQs
Q1: What happened in the incident involving the IDF soldiers in Gaza?
A: Four IDF soldiers were killed and six others injured when their vehicle was struck by an explosive device while traveling near Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza. The IDF is investigating whether there was additional gunfire from terrorists during the incident.
Q2: Who were the soldiers killed in the attack?
A: The fallen soldiers are Sergeant Major Alexander Fedorenko, Staff Sergeant Danila Diakov, Sergeant Yahav Maayan, and Sergeant Eliav Astuker, all of whom were members of the 79th Battalion and the 931st Battalion of the Nahal Brigade.
Q3: What is the current status of the wounded soldiers?
A: In addition to the fatalities, six soldiers were injured, with one sustaining serious injuries. A reservist officer and another soldier were also severely injured in the explosion.
Conclusion
The loss of these four brave soldiers is a tragic reminder of the sacrifices made by the men and women of the IDF in the defense of Israel. Their families, communities, and the entire nation mourn their loss, remembering them as heroes who gave their lives for their country. As the IDF investigates the incident, the memories of Sergeant Major Fedorenko, Staff Sergeant Diakov, Sergeant Maayan, and Sergeant Astuker will remain honored by their loved ones and the State of Israel.