The IDF confirmed Wednesday that an IDF reservist soldier was killed earlier in the day in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, after resisting an attempted abduction by terrorists. Security forces in the area opened fire at the terrorists and thwarted the kidnapping attempt. The soldier's name has not yet been released.
According to the IDF Spokesperson, an initial investigation revealed that during an IDF operation in Khan Younis, terrorists emerged from underground and attacked an IDF unit. During the attack, they attempted to abduct a soldier serving as a bulldozer operator. The soldier resisted, and the terrorists shot and killed him. Security forces on the scene responded with gunfire, hitting several terrorists and preventing the abduction.
Since the war began, 888 Israeli soldiers have been killed, including 446 during the ground operation in Gaza - 39 of them since the most recent hostage deal. June was the deadliest month of 2024 so far, with 80 members of the security forces and civilians killed.
