Israeli army confirms death of senior commander in northern Gaza | World news

The Israeli army announced on Sunday the death of a brigade commander in an explosion in northern Gaza, where Israeli forces are involved in a sweeping attack on Hamas.

Colonel Ahsan Daksa, commander of the 401st Brigade, was killed in the Jabalia area when an explosive device struck him as he exited his tank, military spokesman Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a briefing.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said in a separate statement that Daksa was killed “while fighting Hamas terrorists.”

Hagari said another battalion commander and two officers were slightly injured in the incident.

They stepped outside “to observe the area and were struck by an explosive device,” he said.

Daksa, 41, was a member of the Druze community and was appointed brigade commander four months ago. He was one of the highest-ranking army commanders killed in the year-long war in Gaza.

His brigade “led the offensive” in Jabalia, Hagari said.

Israeli forces launched a devastating land and air assault on Jabalia and other parts of northern Gaza on October 6, which the military says is aimed at preventing Hamas militants from regrouping.

The civil protection agency in the Hamas-held area said more than 400 people were killed in the two-week attack, which was still ongoing on Sunday.

Daksa was decorated for rescuing wounded soldiers during Israel’s war against Hezbollah in 2006. Both sides are currently at war again in Lebanon.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog called Daksa “a hero” and said his death was a “loss for Israel and for Israeli society.”

His death brings Israel’s military fatalities in the Gaza campaign to 358 since the ground offensive on Palestinian territory began on October 27, 2023.