The Israeli military has confirmed the death of Captain Yarden Zakay, a platoon leader in the Givati Brigade, who died from injuries he sustained during clashes in southern Gaza on 17 September 2023. Zakay, 21, was critically injured in one of the early skirmishes of the conflict.
According to Israeli military data, 778 soldiers have been killed since hostilities with Gaza intensified on 7 October 7, 2023, with over 367 casualties reported since Israel launched a ground invasion on October 27. Israel’s recent offensive, which followed an attack by Hamas last year, has led to widespread devastation in Gaza, despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire.
Local health officials report over 43,200 deaths, largely among women and children, with an additional 101,600 people injured.
The International Court of Justice is reviewing a genocide case against Israel regarding its actions in Gaza.