The Israeli military reported the death of Colonel Ahsan Daksa, commander of the 401st Brigade, during operations in northern Gaza on Sunday. The incident occurred in the Jabalia area as Israeli forces continued their invasion of Gaza.
Military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari stated that Colonel Ahsan Daksa was killed by an explosive device after stepping out of his tank. The blast also lightly wounded another battalion commander and two officers. According to Hagari, they were struck while observing the area.
Defence Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Daksa died while fighting Hamas fighters. The 41-year-old commander, a member of the Druze community, was appointed to lead the brigade just four months ago. He was one of the highest-ranking Israeli military officials killed in the Gaza conflict.
The 401st Brigade was spearheading the offensive in Jabalia, Hagari noted.
Israel’s military launched its ground and air operations in northern Gaza, including Jabalia, on October 6. The campaign, they say is aimed at preventing Hamas fighters from regrouping, has resulted in over 400 deaths in the area, according to the Palestine civil defence agency.
Colonel Ahsan Daksa had previously been honoured for rescuing wounded soldiers during the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah. The two sides are again at conflict in Lebanon.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog called Daksa a hero, expressing that his death was a significant loss to Israel and Israeli society.
Daksa’s death brings the total number of Israeli military casualties to 358 since the invasion in Gaza began on October 27, 2023.