Edited by: Fern Sidman

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has announced the heartbreaking news of 13 soldiers losing their lives over the weekend, with eight additional names released, reflecting the toll of intense fighting against Hamas terrorists in Gaza, as was reported by The Times of Israel. The fallen service members, displaying extraordinary courage and dedication, hail from various units and cities across Israel.

The TOI report indicated that four soldiers from the 7th Armored Brigade lost their lives in battle in southern Gaza on Saturday. Staff Sgt. David Bogdanovskyi, 19, and Staff Sgt. Orel Bashan, 20, both from Haifa, along with Staff Sgt. Gal Hershko, 20, from Yiftah, and Staff Sgt. Itamar Shemen, a paramedic from Lapid, were among the brave individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice, the report added.

Master Sgt. (res.) Nadav Issachar Farhi, 30, from Herzliya, and Master Sgt. (res.) Eliyahu Meir Ohana, 28, from Haifa, were killed in fighting in central Gaza on Saturday, as was indicated in the TOI report. Both service members belonged to the Yiftach Brigade, a reserves infantry unit.

Sgt. First Class (res.) Elyassaf Shoshan, 23, from Jerusalem, lost his life in central Gaza, fighting alongside fellow paratroopers, including reservist Sgt. First Class (Res.) Ohad Ashur, 23, from Kfar Yona, according to the TOI report.

Cpt. Oshri Moshe Butzhak, 22, a team commander in the Nahal Brigade’s reconnaissance unit from Haifa, was also killed in Saturday’s clashes, the TOI report said. His name had been released earlier by the IDF.

On Friday, the IDF announced the names of four soldiers who lost their lives in the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Staff Sgt. Nir Rafael Kananian, 20, of the Givati Brigade’s reconnaissance unit, from Beit Keshet; Staff Sgt. Birhanu Kassie, 20, of the Givati Brigade’s reconnaissance unit, from Beit Shemesh; Master Sgt. (res.) Shay Termin, 26, of the 55th Reserve Paratroopers Brigade’s 6623rd Battalion, from Rosh Pina; and Warrant Officer (res.) Alexander Shpits, 41, of the 55th Reserve Paratroopers Brigade’s 6623rd Battalion, from Karmiel, according to the TOI report.

The deaths bring the number of troops killed since the start of a ground operation in October to 152.

The toll of 13 brave soldiers in a single weekend emphasizes the profound loss experienced by the IDF and the nation of Israel. These service members, who hailed from various backgrounds and regions, exemplified the commitment and sacrifice required in defense of their homeland, the report added. As the nation mourns, their memories will be forever etched in the hearts of those they served alongside and the grateful citizens they protected. The IDF’s dedication to defending Israel comes at a heavy cost, and the nation collectively honors these fallen heroes for their unwavering courage and sacrifice.