The IDF reported tonight that four soldiers were killed in combat in Gaza.
The soldiers were traveling in a vehicle around 10:00 a.m. on Saturday morning near Beit Hanoun when their vehicle triggered an explosive device. Six other soldiers were wounded in the blast, with one of them sustaining serious injuries.
The IDF is currently investigating whether terrorists also fired at the soldiers during the incident.
Sergeant Major (res.) Alexander Fedorenko, 37, from Bat Yam, was a heavy truck driver in the 79th Battalion of the 14th ‘Machatz’ Brigade and died during combat in northern Gaza.
The municipality of Bat Yam expressed its sorrow, stating, “Alexander, who immigrated to Israel at age 4, has lived in Bat Yam ever since,” the city added. “Since the war began on October 7, he has served nearly continuously in the reserves.”
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife Irina, his children Daniel and Tom, and to the entire beloved family. May your memory be blessed, Alexander, hero of Israel.”
Staff Sergeant Danila Diakov, 21, from Ma’ale Adumim; Sergeant Yahav Maayan, 19, from Modi’in; and Sergeant Eliav Astuker, 19, from Ashdod, were all soldiers in the 931st Battalion of the Nahal Brigade and lost their lives in combat in northern Gaza.
Yahav leaves behind his parents, Gali and Nir, his younger sister Gaya, and half-siblings Yehonatan, Agam, and Noya. He was born and raised in Modi’in-Maccabim-Reut and attended the local Ort high school.
Ma’ale Adumim’s Mayor Guy Yifrach said, “Dear residents, with great and heavy pain I announce the fall in battle in Gaza of a resident of the city, Nahal Brigade soldier and hero of Israel Staff Sergeant Danila Diakov, may G-d avenge his blood.”
“Our hearts are with his dear family – parents Alexander and Natalia, and sisters Alina and Maya, who today received the worst news of all. Information on the procession and funeral will be published separately.”
“The family of the Amit Yud school in Ashdod is pained and mourning the fall of the school’s graduate Eliav Astuker, may G-d avenge his blood,” said Yaron Carmi, the school’s principal. “Eliav was a youth who was beloved by both his friends and teachers.”
“His decision to enlist in a combat unit came naturally to him, as someone who wanted to contribute to his people and his country. His fall is an enormous blow, and our hearts are with his dear parents and the entire family. We will remember Eliav and continue to educate others in his spirit.”
The IDF added: “Additionally, during the incident in which Alexander Fedorenko, Danila Diakov, Yahav Maayan, and Eliav Astuker fell in the northern Gaza Strip, a reservist officer in the Nahal Brigade and a soldier in the 931st Battalion, Nahal Brigade, were severely injured.”
{Matzav.com Israel}