By: Fern Sidman

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has confirmed the deaths of four soldiers during an early morning operation in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis region on Friday. Among the fallen were two servicemen whose names have now been cleared for publication: Sergeant Major (Res.) Chen Gross, 33, from Gan Yoshiya, a reservist in the elite Maglan Unit of the Commando Brigade, and Staff Sergeant Yoav Raver, 19, from Sde Warburg, a soldier in the elite Yahalom combat engineering unit.

Some reports claim 5 were killed, TJV can not verify this, but the above report claims such

As reported by Israel National News, the incident unfolded around 6:00 a.m. during a close-quarters clearing operation inside a suspected Hamas-controlled structure. The building, laced with hidden explosives, detonated as the soldiers attempted to secure the premises, resulting in the tragic deaths of four troops and injuries to five others.

According to preliminary findings released by the IDF, the soldiers had entered the structure to investigate possible tunnel infrastructure — a high-risk but often necessary step in urban warfare, especially in densely built-up areas like Khan Younis, where Hamas has embedded its military assets among civilian buildings.

Two additional soldiers were killed in the same incident. While their identities have not yet been cleared for public release, military authorities have confirmed that their families have been notified. The fallen are all members of some of the IDF’s most elite and specialized units.

In a statement carried by Israel National News, IDF Spokesman Brig. Gen. Daniel Hagari said the operation targeted a known terrorist stronghold in the southern Gaza Strip and involved coordination between intelligence, combat engineering, and special operations units. The structure was believed to be part of a strategic Hamas tunnel network or used as a weapons storage site.

Tragically, a powerful explosion was triggered from within the structure — either via a pre-rigged booby trap or a concealed explosive device activated remotely. In addition to the fatalities, a reserve officer from the Maglan Unit was severely wounded. He was swiftly evacuated by military medics to a nearby hospital, where he remains in serious condition. Four other soldiers sustained moderate injuries and are receiving care.

During a press conference held shortly after the incident, IDF Chief Spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin addressed the dangers inherent in such operations. “Sometimes there is simply no choice but to investigate and clear a structure on foot,” he said, acknowledging the tactical necessity of direct engagement despite the high risks. “In order to investigate a tunnel route or eliminate a strategic threat, we employ various methods to avoid being harmed — but in urban combat, no method is completely foolproof.”

As the report at Israel National News noted, Brig. Gen. Defrin emphasized that IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir convened a high-level assessment meeting at Southern Command headquarters in the aftermath of the fatal explosion. “We will thoroughly investigate the incident and draw all necessary operational lessons,” Defrin stated.

Both Gross and Raver were known for their dedication and professionalism. Sergeant Major Chen Gross, a veteran of previous IDF operations, had voluntarily re-enlisted as a reservist in the wake of the October 7 Hamas massacre and had since taken part in numerous missions across the Gaza Strip. Staff Sergeant Yoav Raver, though only 19, had already distinguished himself in one of the IDF’s most technically demanding units, responsible for demolitions, tunneling operations, and counterterrorism engineering.

In their tribute, military officials described the soldiers as “among the finest of Israel’s sons — committed, courageous, and deeply devoted to the defense of the Jewish people.”

As Israel National News reported, the war in Gaza remains fraught with operational hazards. With Hamas operatives increasingly resorting to guerrilla-style tactics, including booby-trapped civilian structures and tunnel warfare, IDF units face daily threats that combine conventional battlefield dangers with asymmetrical traps.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a brief statement expressing the nation’s condolences. “We mourn the brave warriors who fell defending Israel’s security,” he said. “Their sacrifice will not be in vain. We will continue the fight until Hamas is defeated and peace is restored to our citizens.”

The IDF has pledged to support the bereaved families and to conduct a thorough internal review of the procedures used during such high-risk operations. The names of the other two fallen soldiers are expected to be released in the coming hours, pending family approval.