IDF confirms loss of 21 soldiers in Gaza

The IDF has confirmed the tragic loss of 21 soldiers due to the collapse of two buildings in central Gaza and a militant attack.

The names of the first 10 casualties have been released, while the names of the remaining 11 victims will be made public later.

Reserve Sergeant Major Matan Lazar, 32 year old from Haifa, served as a soldier in the 6261st battalion of the 261st brigade.

Reserve Sergeant Major Adar Kupelik, 23 year old from Mevo Beitar, held the position of squad leader in the 8208th battalion of the 261st brigade.

Reserve Sergeant Major Sergei Gontmakher, 37 year old from Ramat Gan, served as a soldier in the 8208th battalion of the 261st brigade.

Reserve Sergeant Major Elkana Yehuda Sfez, 25 year old from Kiryat Arba, served as a fighter in the 8208th battalion of the 261st brigade.

Reserve Sergeant Yuval Lopez, 27 year old from the settlement of Alon Shvut, served as a soldier in the 9206th battalion of the 205th brigade.

Reserve Sergeant Major Yoav Levi, 29 year old from Yehud-Monosson, served as a soldier in the 8208th battalion of the 261st brigade.

Reserve Sergeant Major Nicholas Berger, 22 year old from Jerusalem, was a member of the 8208th Battalion, 261st Brigade.

Reserve Sergeant Major Cedric Garin, 23 year old from Tel Aviv, served as a fighter in the 8208th battalion of the 261st brigade.

Reserve Sergeant Major Rafael Elias Mosheyof, 33 year old from Pardes Hanna-Karkur, served as a soldier in the 6261st battalion of the 261st brigade.

Reserve Sergeant Major Barak Haim Ben Walid, 33 year old from Rishon Lezion, held the position of squad leader in the 6261st Battalion of the 261st Brigade.

Additionally, it has been reported that one soldier from the 9206th battalion of the 205th brigade sustained serious injuries in the incident.

The tragedy unfolded when Hamas terrorists fired RPGs and struck buildings undergoing preparation for explosion. These structures housed numerous soldiers and were situated near a tank. Civilian specialists from the fire and emergency services have reportedly been called to the site to assist in clearing the rubble.

221 IDF soldiers have died during the ground operation in Gaza from October 31 to January 23.