The Israeli Defense Forces revealed on Sunday that three soldiers lost their lives in a mortar onslaught at the Kerem Shalom Crossing along the Gaza border earlier in the day.
The fallen soldiers have been identified as SSgt. Ruben Marc Mordechai Assouline, 19, hailing from Raanana; SSgt. Ido Testa, 19, from Yerushalayim; and SSgt. Tal Shavit, 21, from Kfar Hagiladi.
Assouline and Testa served in the Shaked Battalion within the Givati Brigade, while Shavit was part of the 931st Battalion within the Nachal Brigade.
In addition to the fatalities, eleven soldiers sustained injuries from the barrage and were transported for medical attention at the Soroka Medical Center in Be’er Sheva.
The Shaked Battalion issued a statement: “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of soldiers SSgt. Ruben Marc Mordechai Assouline and SSgt. Ido Testa. We have informed all the families of the fallen and wounded soldiers, and we extend our heartfelt wishes for a swift recovery to the injured, hoping for their prompt return to us. The entire Shaked Battalion mourns alongside the families and extends its deepest condolences.”
The mortar shells were launched from an area proximate to Rafah, approximately 300-400 meters away from a shelter designated for displaced Gazan civilians. Prior to the incident, an intelligence alert had been received regarding a potential assault on the soldiers.
Hamas claimed responsibility for the attack on the Kerem Shalom Crossing.
{Matzav.com Israel}