Israel
The faces of four IDF troops – aged 19-21 – killed in Gaza camp attack
The four were killed when terrorists attacked their tank with an explosive device
September 9, 2025 08:57
The four were killed when terrorists attacked their tank with an explosive device
September 9, 2025 08:57The Israel Defence Forces released for publication the names of four soldiers it said fell in the northern Gaza Strip on Monday.
The slain troops were identified as Stf. Sgt. Uri Lamed, 20, from Tel Mond; Sgt. Gadi Cotal, 20, from Afikim; Sgt. Amit Arye Regev, 19, from Modi’in-Maccabim-Re’ut; and Lt. Matan Abramovitz, 21, from Ganei Tikvah, the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit said in a statement.
Times of Israel reported that, according to a preliminary IDF probe, three Hamas terrorists launched an attack on an army encampment in the Kafr Jabalia area, on the outskirts of Gaza City’s Sheikh Radwan neighborhood, at around 6am. The incident took place shortly after troops had returned to the outpost following an overnight activity.
The operatives reached a tank at the entrance to the encampment and opened fire at the commander, who had his head outside the armored vehicle’s open hatch, Times of Israel reports. The gunmen then hurled an explosive device into the tank, killing the four soldiers, according to the initial investigation.
The probe also found that other soldiers stationed in the encampment returned fire at the fleeing gunmen, hitting at least two of them. During the exchange of fire, the wounded infantryman was hit in the leg, according to the IDF.
The dead IDF soldiers were all from the Armored Corps’ 401st Brigade.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, “My wife and I, together with all the citizens of Israel, send our condolences to the bereaved families, share in their deep sorrow and embrace them.
“Our fighters acted with courage and self-sacrifice for the defeat of Hamas and the return of all our hostages,” he said. “Inspired by their heroism, we will not relent in these missions until they are achieved.
“May their memory be blessed and forever preserved in our hearts,” the premier added.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz conveyed his “deepest condolences” to the families of the fallen soldiers, he said in a statement. “I wish to embrace the bereaved families at this difficult time and wish a speedy recovery to the Nahal fighter who was injured.”
An infantry soldier from the Nahal Brigade was seriously wounded in the incident. According to Ynet, terrorists threw an explosive charge at the tank, killing the four soldiers inside at the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood in the northern Gaza Strip.
At least one terrorist was also killed in the incident, according to Ynet.
To get more Israel news, click here to sign up for our free Israel Briefing newsletter.