Three Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers lost their lives after Hamas launched a series of rockets towards the Kerem Shalom border, the entry point for humanitarian aid into Gaza from the city of Rafah.
Hamas, recognized as an Islamic terror group by the U.S., claimed responsibility for firing 14 rockets on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of three IDF soldiers and injuring at least 10 individuals according to the Jerusalem Post. Among the injured, three were in serious condition, two were moderate, and five experienced light injuries and were treated at the Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba.
The soldiers who tragically lost their lives were identified as Staff Sgt. Ruben Marc Mordechai Assouline, 19, Staff Sgt. Ido Testa, 19, and Staff Sgt. Tal Shavit, 21. Assouline and Testa served with the 424th Infantry Battalion in the 84th Givati Brigade, while Shavit was part of the 931st Infantry Battalion with the 933rd Nahal Brigade.
Following the attack, the IDF issued a statement condemning Hamas for firing projectiles near the Rafah Crossing towards Kerem Shalom and highlighted the terrorist organization’s exploitation of humanitarian facilities and civilians for their attacks.
The Kerem Shalom border crossing was reopened to allow humanitarian aid to reach Gaza after President Joe Biden’s administration urged Israel to do so. This incident is not the first time Hamas has targeted the crossing, jeopardizing the flow of humanitarian aid to the people in Gaza.
In response to Hamas’ attack, Israel closed the border, impacting the delivery of crucial humanitarian aid to Gaza.
