From the Liveblog of
Friday, August 23, 2024
IDF announces death of reservist killed by explosive device in Gaza City this morning
Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
A reserve soldier was killed and several others were wounded by an explosive device during operations in Gaza City this morning, the IDF announces.
The slain soldier is named as Sgt. First Class (res.) Evyatar Atuar, 24, of the Jerusalem Brigade’s 6310th Battalion, from Rosh Haayin.
The Jerusalem Brigade in recent days has been carrying out an operation in Gaza City’s southern neighborhood of Zeitoun, to expand the IDF’s Netzarim Corridor, located just south of it.
According to an initial IDF probe, the reservists reached a building and began to search it. As four soldiers from the force entered the structure, an explosive device planted on the outer wall of the building exploded.
The blast hurt those standing outside the building, but not those inside. At least four other soldiers were seriously wounded, and another three were moderately hurt, according to the IDF.
The military believes Hamas operatives had set up a camera at the building and then detonated the bomb upon identifying troops in the area.
Israel’s toll in the ground offensive against Hamas in Gaza and in military operations along the border with the Strip now stands at 337.
