The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed the death of Warrant Officer Zeed Mazarib, 34, during a pre-dawn attack near the Kerem Shalom crossing. Mazarib, a tracker in the Gaza Division’s Southern Brigade, hailed from the Arab-Israeli city of Zarzir west of Nazarath, and was part of a Bedouin patrol unit activated to respond to the incident.
Incident Details
The incident unfolded just before dawn on Thursday morning along the southernmost area of the Israel-Gaza border. IDF observers detected suspicious movement on the Gaza side of the Kerem Shalom crossing, prompting an infiltration alert. The Bedouin patrol unit, including Mazarib, was dispatched to the area to investigate.
In a severe incident today, four Hamas terrorists were trying to cross to Israel in the south of Gaza; they were spotted, and an IDF force from the tracker brigade intercepted them; in the battle, we lost one IDF hero, Zeed Mazarib, 34 years old. Three of the Hamas terrorists… pic.twitter.com/UigwTxjiYb
— Raylan Givens (@JewishWarrior13) June 6, 2024
Upon arrival, the IDF troops were met with gunfire and RPG rockets from terrorists who had crossed into Israel from Gaza. The ensuing firefight was intense, and despite the heavy resistance, IDF forces managed to eliminate three terrorists. A fourth terrorist is believed to have escaped back into the Gaza Strip.
IDF Response and Investigation
An Israeli Air Force aircraft, monitoring the situation from above, engaged the terrorists, successfully eliminating two of them. Shortly after, a tank unit neutralized another terrorist. The confrontation, which began around 5:30 a.m., lasted for several minutes and concluded with one terrorist retreating to Rafah.
The IDF has announced the tragic death of Warrant Officer Zeed Mazarib, 34, a tracker in the Gaza Division’s Southern Brigade, from Zarzir.
— ILTV Israel News (@ILTVNews) June 6, 2024
Mazarib was killed during gun battle with Hamas operatives who attempted to infiltrate into Israel from southern Gaza’s Rafah early this… pic.twitter.com/Huz4EBDJzi
The IDF has emphasized that the terrorists did not succeed in breaching the barrier along the Gaza Strip border. An investigation into the incident is still ongoing, with initial findings revealing the coordinated effort between ground and air units to prevent the infiltration.
Context and Ongoing Threats
This attack is one of the most severe incidents on the Gaza border since the beginning of recent hostilities. The IDF has noted a rise in infiltration attempts by Palestinian terrorists in recent weeks, particularly from the Khan Younis area, where a significant IDF operation concluded approximately two months ago.
Most infiltration attempts have been thwarted about a kilometer from the border, thanks to vigilant observation posts and responsive gunfire from soldiers. Thursday morning’s incident underscores the persistent threat posed by these infiltration attempts, despite the high level of security and monitoring.
BREAKING
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) June 6, 2024
The IDF spokesperson reported this morning an attempted infiltration by terrorists into Israel near Rafah, who were subsequently neutralized:
An IDF unit conducting patrols in the border area identified several suspects approaching the border from the Gaza Strip and…
The IDF continues to stress the ongoing risk of terrorist infiltrations along the Gaza border, indicating that such threats will likely persist in the coming years. The focus remains on preventing these incursions, often involving small, individual cells, to ensure the safety and security of Israeli citizens.
A Tribute to Warrant Officer Zeed Mazarib
Warrant Officer Zeed Mazarib’s dedication and bravery in the face of danger exemplify the commitment of IDF soldiers to protecting Israel. His loss is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those serving on the front lines. The IDF and the nation of Israel honor his memory and extend heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.
