Tragic news from the Gaza Strip: Staff Sergeant (Res.) Danil Pechenyuk (26) and Staff Sergeant (Res.) Nitai Metodi (23) were killed as a result of an explosive device in the same incident where Staff Sergeant (Res.) Evyatar Atuar was also killed, and seven other soldiers were injured to varying degrees. Master Sergeant (Res.) Yaniv Itzhak Oren (35) was killed in an encounter with terrorists. The soldiers served in Battalion 8119 of the 'Jerusalem' Brigade (16), and their families have been notified.
Ashkelon Mayor Tomer Glam mourned the loss of IDF soldier Staff Sergeant (Res.) Nitai Metodi, saying, "Our hearts break with the devastating news of the fall of another son of our city. My deepest condolences to his parents and his dear family. The Ashkelon Municipality will support them in any way necessary during this painful and difficult time. May you know no more sorrow, and may you find comfort from Heaven. May your memory be blessed, hero."
Bat Yam Mayor Tzvika Brot expressed his sorrow, saying, "The city of Bat Yam mourns the loss of our city's son, reservist Staff Sergeant Danil Pechenyuk, who was killed in combat in the Gaza Strip. Danil made Aliyah to Israel out of Zionism and lived here alone while his family remains in Uzbekistan. He served as a lone soldier and continued to give everything he had in reserve duty to defend our homeland. We all salute his bravery and embrace his family and friends."
