12th Israeli Soldier Killed in Gaza This Month by sniper fire: Identified as Sergeant Stav Halfon

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has confirmed that Sergeant Stav Halfon, 20, from Petah Tikva, was killed on Wednesday by sniper fire during operational activity in Khan Yunis, located in the southern Gaza Strip. Halfon served in the 603rd Engineering Battalion of the 7th Brigade and was operating under the combat team of the Paratroopers Brigade during an operation aimed at dismantling Hamas infrastructure.

Halfon is the 12th soldier to fall in the Gaza Strip since the beginning of June.

Rising Toll Since Ceasefire Collapse

Since the October 7, 2023, attacks and Israel's subsequent military operations in Gaza, the names of 871 fallen service members have been cleared for publication. Following the resumption of combat on March 18, after the collapse of the ceasefire with Hamas, 21 soldiers have been killed in Gaza combat, alongside a Border Guard undercover unit soldier and a Defense Ministry engineering equipment operator.

In addition to combat fatalities, two soldiers were killed in operational vehicle accidents — one in the Gaza Envelope, when struck by a truck, and another in the Golan Heights.

Explosive Devices Continue to Inflict Heavy Casualties

The IDF reports that explosive devices remain the primary cause of recent combat fatalities in the Gaza Strip.

Just two days ago, Sergeant Nave Leshem, 20, from Nokdim, was killed by an explosive device attached to his personal protective equipment. Leshem, like Halfon, was injured during operations in Khan Yunis and served in the 12th Battalion of the Golani Brigade.

On the same day, Captain Tal Movshovitz, 28, a reserve officer from Me’arot, was also killed in Khan Yunis when another explosive device detonated. Movshovitz served in the General Security Service and held a reserve post as deputy company commander in the 7086th Engineering Battalion of the Golani Brigade.

Continuing Operations in Gaza

The IDF continues its operations in Khan Yunis and other hotspots across the Gaza Strip, focusing on the detection and destruction of Hamas infrastructure. Despite the mounting toll, military officials affirm that operations will continue "as long as necessary" to ensure long-term security.

Funeral arrangements for Sgt. Halfon and the other fallen soldiers are expected to be announced in the coming hours.