The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) recently announced the loss of a reserve soldier, Staff Sergeant Hanan Drori, who succumbed to severe injuries and a complex fungal infection contracted during combat operations in the Gaza Strip. At 26, the Jerusalem native was a valued member of the Special Forces, 551 Formation, and fell in battle on December 17 in the northern Gaza Strip, according to the IDF. This tragic event raises the death toll of the ground operation to 227.
The IDF soldier who contracted a fungal infection after being seriously wounded in battle in the Gaza Strip has died.
— Israel National News - Arutz Sheva (@ArutzSheva_En) February 7, 2024
The soldier was identified as Hanan Drori, a reserve soldier from the community of Psagot in the Binyamin region. He was 26-years-old. pic.twitter.com/gaSPv7TBCW
Hanan Drori was remembered fondly by those who knew him. "As a cherished neighbor, Hanan's loss is deeply felt. He was not only charming and handsome but also embodied kindness and humor. His intelligence and brilliance were evident to all who knew him. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, especially his parents, Tali and Roni," remarked Israel Gantz, head of the Binyamin Regional Council. Drori was reportedly on the cusp of engagement prior to his death.
The circumstances surrounding Drori's injuries involved anti-tank fire, resulting in serious wounds and subsequent severe infections. Initial medical care was provided at Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon before he was transferred to Sheba Medical Center near Tel Aviv for more specialized treatment. Despite being admitted to the intensive care unit and receiving extensive medical intervention, including an experimental treatment sought from Pfizer, Drori's condition did not improve.
IDF reservist wounded in Gaza succumbs to deadly fungal infection: Sheba Medical Center says soldier suffered severe limb and abdominal injuries from anti-tank fire and later developed acute infection which did not respond to any treatment https://t.co/T8GC5QHsCy Ynet-Culture pic.twitter.com/n9hJ46cN2Z
— Jewish Community (@JComm_NewsFeeds) February 7, 2024
The experimental drug, Fosmanogepix, was transported to Israel from Ireland, where it was undergoing clinical trials, thanks to efforts by Drori's family, the hospital, and a public crowdfunding initiative. However, despite these efforts, the treatment failed to counteract the infection effectively.
Prof. Arnon Afek, Associate Director-General of Sheba Medical Center, noted that Drori's wounds had led to fungal infections, a common complication in severe injuries. While the hospital is usually successful in managing such infections with antifungal treatments, the infections Drori suffered from proved resistant to conventional therapies. Pfizer's compassionate use authorization of Fosmanogepix represented a determined, albeit unsuccessful, attempt to save his life.
Amazing! An experimental antifungal drug was delivered to Israel 🇮🇱from Ireland 🇮🇪after frantic efforts were made to secure it over the bank holiday weekend. The drug is for an IDF reservist who’s seriously ill after being infected by a fungus in Gaza 🙏🏻https://t.co/0KMu1VyKIR
— Ireland Israel Alliance (@irlisrAlliance) February 7, 2024
This incident underscores the risks IDF soldiers face, not only from direct combat but also from the aftermath of their injuries. In December, another IDF soldier lost his life to a drug-resistant fungus contracted in the Gaza Strip, despite exhaustive treatment efforts and consultations with experts. These cases highlight the harsh realities of military engagement and the complex challenges of battlefield medicine.
