IDF Soldier Sgt. Amit Cohen, 19, has been Killed in Operational Accident in Southern Gaza

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced late Monday the death of Sergeant Amit Cohen, 19, from Holon, who was killed in an operational accident in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip. Cohen, a combat soldier in the 13th Battalion of the Golani Brigade, died following an explosion suspected to have resulted from improper handling of an explosive device inside a defensive position.

A senior officer from the same battalion was seriously wounded in the blast and evacuated to hospital for treatment. “His family has been notified,” said an IDF spokesperson.

The incident brings the total number of Israeli military fatalities since the start of the war to 894.

A Close-Knit Class Loses a Second Soldier

Amit Cohen studied at Ort Holon High School, where he was a classmate of Danilo Mocanu, another Golani soldier who was killed in May when a building collapsed in Khan Yunis. Both were remembered by their teachers as exceptional students and deeply committed young men.

"I've lost another beloved student," said their teacher Ilanit. "Amit was always so strong on the outside but had a gentle soul. He was so young, he hadn’t even started his life.”

Photography teacher Ronen Zola, who taught both boys, added, “We were a small class of 13. Amit and Danilo sat next to each other in the yearbook photo. They both spoke about combat service with pride. Amit was loyal, supportive, and a true friend. We are devastated.”

Tributes from Holon Officials

Holon Mayor Shai Keinan mourned the loss of the city’s native son:

“With deep sorrow, we announce the fall of Hero of Israel, Sgt. Amit Cohen. He was only 19 years old. Amit fought bravely to defend the State of Israel. His heroism and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Holon grieves with his family—Kfir and Maya, and his siblings Gaya and Harel.”

Ongoing Operations in Central Gaza

Meanwhile, the IDF has begun ground operations in Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip—one of the few remaining areas where significant military activity had not yet occurred. A wave of preparatory air and ground strikes preceded the maneuver, according to military sources.

While the IDF has not formally declared the beginning of an operation, a military official told Ynet:

“The forces are deepening the ground maneuver and fighting inside Deir al-Balah. Hamas operatives are under increasing pressure and are being pushed out. Their control in the area is collapsing.”

Ongoing Investigation into Fatal Armored Unit Blast

Last week, three soldiers from the 52nd Battalion of the 401st Armored Brigade—Sergeant Shoham Menachem, Sergeant Shlomo Yakir Shram, and Sergeant Yuli Factor—were killed in Gaza under similar tragic circumstances.

The IDF initially suspected an anti-tank strike but later ruled out an external hit. According to a preliminary investigation, an internal explosion inside a tank, possibly triggered by a shell malfunction, caused the deaths. The severely injured tank officer, Lt. Assaf, remains hospitalized.

“There were no signs of mechanical failure or mishandling by the crew,” the IDF Spokesperson said. “The incident is still under investigation and findings will be shared transparently with the families once finalized.”

US Concern Over Israel’s Strikes in Syria

In a separate development, the White House revealed that President Donald Trump was surprised by Israeli airstrikes in Syria last week, including strikes targeting Syrian regime forces in Sweida province. A senior U.S. official said Trump called on Prime Minister Netanyahu to “rectify the situation.”

White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt also addressed the humanitarian toll in Gaza, stating:

“There have been troubling reports of additional civilian deaths, including an attack on a church. The president is deeply concerned. He remains committed to seeing the release of all hostages and de-escalating the conflict.”

Levitt added that recent diplomatic efforts had helped secure the release of the last known living American hostage in Gaza.

Ceasefire Talks Stall as Hamas Accused of Delay

Negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release continue in Qatar, but with no breakthrough. Israeli and American officials accuse Hamas of intentionally stalling to gain more favorable terms.

“Hamas is dragging its feet and preventing progress,” said one official familiar with the talks.

Sources noted that if Hamas accepts the current proposal, U.S. pressure may shift toward Israel to finalize the deal.

The death of Sgt. Amit Cohen marks another painful chapter in Israel's ongoing war in Gaza. As combat intensifies in central Gaza and diplomatic efforts stall, families across Israel continue to grieve for soldiers lost in the line of duty. Cohen’s tragic loss, just weeks after the death of his close friend and classmate Danilo Mocanu, has become a devastating symbol of a war that has taken an immeasurable human toll on the young.