Tragedy in Khan Yunis: Four IDF Soldiers have been Killed in Building Explosion

Four Israeli soldiers were killed and five others injured—one seriously and four moderately—early Friday morning when a building exploded during an IDF operation in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Yunis. The deceased includes Maj. (Res.) Chen Gross, 33, from Magen Yashia, and Sgt. Yoav Rever, 19, from Kfar Warburg. The names of the other two fallen soldiers have not yet been released, pending notification of their families.

The explosion occurred at approximately 06:10 a.m., shortly after a joint force from the elite Sayeret Maglan and Yahalom (Combat Engineering Corps) units entered a building that IDF intelligence identified as a Hamas shelter, suspected to be above a network of tunnel shafts.

The operation began at 06:05, following a preparatory tank strike and controlled detonations aimed at neutralizing explosives in the structure. Despite the precautions, a massive explosion—likely triggered by hidden explosives or structural collapse—rocked the building minutes later, causing significant casualties and burying several soldiers under rubble. Rescue efforts lasted until around noon, when the bodies of the four fallen soldiers were recovered.

The wounded were evacuated by helicopter to Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv. The incident occurred during an offensive by the IDF’s 98th Division, currently operating on the northern edge of Khan Yunis.

In Memory: Sgt. Yoav Rever

Sgt. Yoav Rever, 19, served in the elite Yahalom unit. Rever, a resident of Kfar Warburg and graduate of the Ami Assaf Educational Center, was remembered as an outstanding basketball player who proudly wore the Israeli national youth team jersey.

The Israeli Basketball Association paid tribute:

“Yoav played in Hapoel Kfar Saba’s youth department. Beyond his athletic talent, he was known for his unique and humble character. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family.”

The South Sharon Regional Council mourned his loss:

“Yoav was the son of Lior and Gili, brother to Tamar and Omri. Our hearts are broken. We stand with the family, his community, and his school during this unbearable time.”

In Memory: Maj. (Res.) Chen Gross

Maj. (Res.) Chen Gross, 33, was a veteran of the Maglan unit and a well-known figure in the village of Hinanit, where he lived for the past four years. Gross was not only a respected soldier but also a committed member of his community and an entrepreneur who owned a local factory in Shaqah.

The Samaria Regional Council and Emek Hefer Regional Council issued statements expressing deep sorrow.
Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Council, said:

“Chen was a beloved son, brave warrior, and dedicated community member. His loss leaves a void that can never be filled.”

Galit Shaul, head of Emek Hefer Regional Council, added:

“The Emek Hefer community will forever cherish Chen’s memory.”

National Leadership Responds

Israeli leaders, including the Prime Minister, President, and Defense Minister, issued statements mourning the loss and honoring the soldiers’ bravery.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:

“This is a sad and difficult day. Our four fighters gave their lives for the security of us all. The entire people of Israel embrace the families in their grief.”

President Isaac Herzog:

“The price of war is extremely heavy. We will ensure their names and heroism are never forgotten.”

Defense Minister Israel Katz:

“There are no words to comfort the magnitude of the loss. We mourn and strengthen the hands of our heroic soldiers, continuing to defend our country.”

IDF Response and Investigation

IDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Daniel Hagari (Efi Defferin) confirmed that Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi visited the Southern Command and is overseeing the investigation into the circumstances of the explosion.

The IDF acknowledged the complexity of the urban combat environment in Gaza, where Hamas continues to employ guerrilla tactics and booby-trapped structures.

“The IDF continues to operate with determination against a brutal enemy while striving to minimize harm to our forces and civilians,” Hagari said.