In a harrowing event that has sent shockwaves through the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), eight valiant soldiers from Combat Engineering Battalion 601 tragically lost their lives during an early Saturday morning operation in Rafah, southern Gaza. This catastrophic incident, occurring at approximately 5:15 A.M. local time, represents the most significant single-day loss for the IDF since January, marking a somber day in Israel’s ongoing battle against terrorism.

The brave soldiers, integral members of Givati Battalion 424, were executing a high-stakes mission aimed at dismantling Hamas militant operations and terrorist infrastructure in the northwestern sector of Tal al-Sultan, a volatile neighborhood in Rafah. Preliminary reports reveal that their Namer armored personnel carrier (APC) fell victim to a devastating explosion, likely triggered by a remotely-detonated roadside bomb. The impact was intensified by the presence of engineering tools and explosive materials within the APC, causing catastrophic damage and complicating the identification process of the fallen heroes.

"The incident has not yet been fully examined. These are preliminary findings," stated IDF officials, underscoring the gravity and complexity of the situation.

The names of 7 @IDF fighters who fell in the battles in the Gaza Strip have been released. Two were killed in an explosive/RPG explosion on a tank in the north of the Gaza Strip and the rest in an APC explosion in Rafah. Israeli hero RIP 💪🏽🇮🇱❤️😔 pic.twitter.com/wvwrfe9EHM

— Shmuel Shalom שמואל שלום سمؤال عبد السلام (@ShmuelShalom) June 16, 2024

The names of the fallen soldiers, whose sacrifice will forever be etched in the annals of Israeli history, have been partially released. Among them is Captain Wassem Mahmoud, 23, the deputy commander of a company in the 601st Combat Engineering Battalion, hailing from Beit Jann. The other brave soldiers identified are:

• Sergeant Itay Amar, 19, from Kochav Yair
• Sergeant Oz Yeshaia Gruber, 20, from Tal Menashe, Samaria
• Sergeant Orr Blumowitz, 20, from Pardes Hana-Karkur
• Sergeant Stanislav Kostarev, 21, from Ashdod
• Sergeant Eliyahu Moshe Zimbalist, 21, from Beit Shemesh
• Sergeant Yakir Ya'akov Levi, 21, from Kibbutz Hafetz Haim

In a separate tragic incident in northern Gaza, the IDF mourns the loss of two more soldiers: Captain (res.) Eitan Koplovich, 28, from Jerusalem, and Sergeant-Major (res.) Elon Waiss, 49, from Psagot, Judea.

Additionally, Sergeant Yair Roitman, a courageous fighter from Karnei Shomron in the West Bank, succumbed to his injuries sustained during a fierce battle in southern Gaza on June 10, 2024.

This dark day is reminiscent of the deadliest incident in Gaza from January, where 21 soldiers perished in an explosion caused by Hamas fire, leading to the collapse of two buildings slated for demolition.

HEROES! These are the names of the 8 @IDF soldiers who died in battle yesterday in Gaza, during the APC explosion in Rafah:

🕯️ Capt. (res.) Eitan Koplovich, 28, from Jerusalem, a combat officer in the 129th Battalion.

🕯️ Senior Staff Sergeant Major (res.) Elon Waiss, 49, from… pic.twitter.com/rsgJjN18r5

— Arsen Ostrovsky 🎗️ (@Ostrov_A) June 16, 2024

IDF Spokesman Daniel Hagari addressed the nation with a heavy heart, providing an update on the day’s devastating losses. "IDF troops are making progress in the defeat of the Hamas military wing, focusing on dismantling the Rafah Brigade's capabilities. The troops on the ground eliminate many terrorists every day in combat, destroy weapons, launchers, and rockets, thereby preventing Hamas’s ability to return to action against the citizens of the State of Israel as happened on October 7th. Today we received an additional painful reminder of the price of war and that behind the achievements of the war stand brave soldiers, heroes, who were willing to sacrifice their lives for the State of Israel, that is the common home for all of us - Jews, Druze, Bedouins, Muslims, and Christians - all citizens of Israel," Hagari declared.

Hamas and PIJ are the best treatment for an arrogant and imbecile Israelis. 8 IDF killed at once. pic.twitter.com/NH9PQ4HAZ3

— Thine Eyes Flash Fire (@alaswad_alasad) June 16, 2024

The IDF’s resolve remains unshaken, even in the face of such profound loss. These fallen soldiers, who exemplify the highest virtues of bravery and dedication, will be remembered not only as defenders of the nation but as symbols of the unwavering spirit of Israel. Their sacrifices underscore the harsh realities of the ongoing conflict and the relentless pursuit of peace and security for all citizens of Israel.