Two IDF Soldiers Killed in Khan Yunis Explosion - Total War Death Toll Reaches 898

 The IDF announced that Captain Amir Saad (22) and Sergeant Yinon Nouriel Vana (20) were killed Saturday in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza, when an explosive device detonated near their armored vehicle. The two served in the Golani Patrol’s technology and maintenance unit and were inside a Nimr armored personnel carrier at the time of the blast.

Since the start of the war on October 7, 2023, 898 Israeli soldiers have been killed. Eighteen of them have died in the month of July alone, amid continued heavy fighting in the Gaza Strip.

Fallen Soldiers Remembered by Families and Communities

Captain Amir Saad, from Yanuh-Jath, was described by his family as a dedicated, beloved officer. His relative, Modi Saad, former head of the local council, stated:

“The family has lost the most precious thing to us. Amir is the third martyr of Yanuh-Jath. A fighting officer, a beloved son, brother, and grandson. He went to defend the country—and did not return.”

The village mourned deeply, with Council Head Saif adding:

“His death is a great pain for the entire village, and our hearts break with the dear family.”

Saad’s cousin, Lt. Col. Alim Abdullah, deputy commander of the 300th Regional Brigade, was also killed early in the war on October 9, 2023.

Saad’s funeral is scheduled for today at 5:00 p.m. at the People’s House in Yanuh-Jath.

Sergeant Yinon Nouriel Vana, from Kiryat Tivon, was also honored by family and community members. His mother, Nava Nouriel, posted a heartbreaking message:

“For two days I’ve felt something inside… My little Yinon, my beloved, the whole world is crying for you. I apologize for not hugging you enough the last time.”

The Emek Jezreel Regional Council confirmed his death and expressed its grief:

“Yinon’s family, from Bethlehem of Galilee, is an inseparable part of our community. The region bows its head in deep pain.”

Sheikh Tarif: “Druze Community Paying the Heaviest Price”

The Head of the Druze community in Israel, Sheikh Muafek Tarif, paid tribute to Captain Saad and mourned alongside the Jewish families affected:

“There are no words to describe the sadness and pain over the loss of another young man in the prime of his life. The Druze community continues to pay the heaviest and most precious price. The fall of Amir and Yinon illustrates our partnership in the State of Israel—a partnership that must exist not only in war but in peace.”

Reserve Soldier Bezalel Masabkar Dies of Injuries from Previous IED Attack

Also announced Saturday night was the death of Senior Sgt. Bezalel Yehoshua Masabkar (32), who succumbed to wounds from a bomb blast in southern Gaza last week.

Masabkar, a combat engineer from the 749th Engineering Battalion, was injured when a military Hummer struck an IED in Khan Yunis. A fellow soldier was also seriously wounded.

Masabkar, originally from Avnei Eitan in the Golan Heights, worked for the Israel Electric Company. He is survived by his wife Maayan, their two-year-old daughter, and his parents Hana and Yaakov, as well as siblings.

Three Soldiers Imprisoned for Refusing to Re-Enter Gaza

In a separate development, the IDF confirmed that three regular service soldiers have been sentenced to military prison after refusing orders to return to combat operations in Gaza.

According to the military, the soldiers had previously fought in Gaza for months and cited a “deep internal crisis” brought on by the loss of comrades and psychological trauma from the fighting. One of the soldiers was previously injured in a mortar attack in Kerem Shalom, underwent lengthy rehabilitation, and returned to active duty—only to now refuse reentry into the Strip.

Despite having met with the IDF Chief of Staff, who assessed them as fit for combat, the three insisted on refusing orders and were thus removed from combat and jailed.

Another soldier from the same battalion also refused to return to Gaza but has not yet been tried.