The IDF's Nahal Brigade has suffered significant casualties in its ongoing operations in Gaza's Beit Hanoun area, underscoring the devastating human cost of the conflict. A deadly attack on Saturday morning claimed the lives of four soldiers and wounded six others when their Humvee convoy was struck by a powerful explosive device.
"Remember what we are fighting for. This is a long war but one of unprecedented justice. We will continue to fight in the spirit and memory of the fallen," the Nahal Brigade Commander told his troops in the wake of the losses, addressing the grief that has struck the unit.
The attack occurred around 10:00 AM during Shabbat when the Deputy Commander's unit was traveling in open Humvees along what was believed to be a secured "rear route" on Beit Hanoun's outskirts. Lt. Col. Shlomo Shiran, the Brigade's Deputy Commander, was present but escaped unharmed.
Two soldiers were seriously wounded in the blast, while four others sustained moderate injuries. Military helicopters rapidly evacuated the wounded to Israeli territory. Initial investigations suggest the possibility of an ambush, with militants potentially opening fire after detonating the device.
The incident has raised questions about route security protocols, as the area was designated as cleared of militant presence, allowing forces to travel in open vehicles rather than armored ones. Military investigators are examining whether the explosive device, similar to those previously used by Hamas, was part of a coordinated attack.
Despite these losses, the Nahal Brigade Combat Team continues its mission under Gaza Division (143) command. Recent weeks have seen intensive operations throughout Beit Hanoun, with forces conducting systematic searches and destroying terror infrastructure. Troops have uncovered numerous weapons caches, including explosive devices, RPG launchers, firearms, and ammunition magazines.
The Brigade's fire control unit has been actively coordinating strikes against Hamas infrastructure, targeting booby-trapped buildings and weapons storage facilities. The Beit Hanoun operation, now in its second week, is expected to continue for several more weeks as forces work to eliminate militant presence and infrastructure.
Senior IDF officers emphasize the operation's strategic importance for protecting nearby Israeli communities including Sderot, Erez, and Nir Am from anti-tank and sniper threats. "We have clear, achievable goals," one senior officer stated. "We aim to create a fundamentally different long-term security situation in the area."
The military has expressed its condolences to the bereaved families and committed to providing ongoing support as the Nahal Brigade continues its critical but costly mission in northern Gaza.
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