Rocket Barrage launched from Rafah Kills 3 IDF Soldiers and Injures Several Others

In a tragic incident near the Gaza border, three Israeli soldiers were killed and several others were injured as a result of a rocket barrage launched from beyond the fence. The victims have been identified as Sergeant Reuven Mark Mordechai Assolin (19) from Ra'anana, Sergeant Ido Testa (19) from Jerusalem, and Sergeant Tal Shavit (21) from Kfar Giladi.

The attack, which occurred near civilian shelters in Rafah, involved 14 rockets and mortar bombs fired from underground launchers. The injured soldiers, belonging to various battalions stationed in the area, were evacuated to Soroka Hospital in Be'er Sheva for treatment.

Assolin and Testa served in Givati's Shaked Battalion, while Shavit was a soldier in the 931st Battalion of the Nahal Brigade. Additionally, two soldiers from the 931st Battalion and a fighter from the Shaked Battalion were seriously injured, with nine others sustaining moderate to light injuries.

Despite prior warnings and defensive measures taken by the IDF, including the deployment of shields and reduction of forces in the exposed area, the incident resulted in casualties. Investigations are underway to determine how the attack could have occurred despite the alarm being raised.

Following the barrage, tanks responded by firing at targets in the Gaza Strip to isolate the area. Fighter jets also targeted the launcher responsible for the attack and a military structure in the launch area.

The families and communities of the fallen soldiers are mourning their loss, with tributes pouring in from Ra'anana, Jerusalem, and Kfar Giladi. Funeral arrangements for the victims, especially for Sergeant Tal Shavit, are being made under tight security due to threats from Hezbollah along the Lebanese border.