A night-time operation in the Jenin refugee camp on Wednesday resulted in the death of Captain Alon Sacgiu, 22, from Hadera, a sniper team commander in the Haruv reconnaissance unit. Seventeen additional soldiers were injured when they encountered explosive devices, with ten sustaining light injuries and seven in moderate condition.
As forces entered the refugee camp, engineering units cleared the path using specialized equipment. A medical evacuation vehicle carrying troops from the Haruv commando unit was traveling along this route when it triggered an explosive device, believed to have been buried approximately 1.5 meters underground. The resulting explosion injured several soldiers. The battalion's sniper team commander and six other soldiers who arrived to evacuate the wounded were then hit by a second explosive device.
Since the start of the Gaza War on Oct. 7, 2023, Israeli security forces have been conducting intensive counter-terrorism activities in refugee camps. In the Jenin refugee camp alone, more than 25 large-scale operations have been carried out. Despite precautionary measures, including the use of bulldozers to expose hidden explosives, two explosions occurred from devices buried deep in the ground. The IDF is investigating the incident. It appears that these devices were planted at such depths that they went undetected during the initial route-clearing process.
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of Captain Sacgiu and the injuries sustained by our soldiers," said an IDF spokesperson. "Our forces remain committed to rooting out terrorism and protecting Israeli citizens, even in the face of such dangerous and challenging circumstances."
