IDF says soldier killed, nearly abducted by Hamas gunmen in Gaza

Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent

An Israeli soldier was killed and nearly abducted in the southern Gaza Strip earlier today, the military announces.

The name of the slain soldier is not immediately released for publication. The IDF says he will be named later.

According to an IDF probe, several Hamas gunmen emerged from a tunnel and attacked Israeli forces in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis.

During the attack, the operatives attempted to abduct the slain soldier, who had been operating an excavator.

The IDF says the soldier “struggled with them and the terrorists shot and killed him.”

Israeli forces guarding the area opened fire on the operatives, hitting several of them, preventing the abduction attempt, the military adds.

The IDF says the incident is under further investigation.

Most Popular
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.