The 21-year-old Golani soldier, a resident of Moshav Yinon, was critically injured by a gunshot to the head on Thursday during a battle in northern Gaza.
IDF forces had entered the area during the predawn hours Thursday, as Operation Summer Rains changed its face and became Operation Bashan Oaks. The new name came along with a new initiative to step up the counter-terror offensive to end the Kassam rocket attacks on southern Israel.
Golani Brigade infantry soldiers were supported by combat engineers and armored and aerial support in taking up their position in northern Gaza to set up a new security buffer zone.
Bassel’s unit was engaged in fierce fighting at al-Atara when he was shot. Due to the heavy fighting, he was not evacuated to hospital for almost an hour. Medics on-site were forced to continue treatment at the scene. He later died of his wounds at Soroka Hospital in Be’er Sheba. Yadi said that Bassel’s unit might be called upon to re-enter Gaza if needed.
An hour before his death, Bassel had sent a text message to his sister saying that his unit was still in al-Atara in northern Gaza. “Everything is okay. We killed three, but don’t tell anyone,” said the message, according to the Ynet news service.
The Popular Resistance Committees terror organization meanwhile claimed responsibility for Bassel’s death. The IDF investigation into the incident is slated to be completed by Sunday.
IDF forces had entered the area during the predawn hours Thursday, as Operation Summer Rains changed its face and became Operation Bashan Oaks. The new name came along with a new initiative to step up the counter-terror offensive to end the Kassam rocket attacks on southern Israel.
Golani Brigade infantry soldiers were supported by combat engineers and armored and aerial support in taking up their position in northern Gaza to set up a new security buffer zone.
Bassel’s unit was engaged in fierce fighting at al-Atara when he was shot. Due to the heavy fighting, he was not evacuated to hospital for almost an hour. Medics on-site were forced to continue treatment at the scene. He later died of his wounds at Soroka Hospital in Be’er Sheba. Yadi said that Bassel’s unit might be called upon to re-enter Gaza if needed.
An hour before his death, Bassel had sent a text message to his sister saying that his unit was still in al-Atara in northern Gaza. “Everything is okay. We killed three, but don’t tell anyone,” said the message, according to the Ynet news service.
The Popular Resistance Committees terror organization meanwhile claimed responsibility for Bassel’s death. The IDF investigation into the incident is slated to be completed by Sunday.