Three IDF soldiers killed in Gaza fighting, another dead in car crash

In addition, a reserve fighter in the 52nd Battalion was seriously injured in a battle in the northern Gaza Strip.

 (L-R) Yair Katz, Zachariah Pesach Haber, Anwar Serhan, Oriya Ayimalk Goshen (photo credit: IDF)
(L-R) Yair Katz, Zachariah Pesach Haber, Anwar Serhan, Oriya Ayimalk Goshen
(photo credit: IDF)

The IDF announces the death of St.-Sgt. Oriya Ayimalk Goshen and St.-Sgt.-Maj. (res.) Anwar Serhan on Wednesday.

Oriya Ayinalk Goshen, 21, was a Sayeret Givati soldier from Jerusalem. He fell in combat in the southern Gaza Strip.

Gad Spector, the head of the Hanaton pre-military academy, fondly remembered Ayimalk Goshen, a notable figure among their graduates. Spector described him with deep affection and respect, "Oriya, of blessed memory, was the glue of our group. The world will undoubtedly be a sadder and less wonderful place without him. Our hearts are shattered. He was dearly loved by every trainee, both male and female, in his cohort. They not only loved him but also deeply connected with him and greatly admired the journey he undertook.

"Oriya was a uniquely funny and sensitive individual, always wearing a big smile and possessing a huge, inquisitive heart. A true people person, he consistently challenged us to rethink and reevaluate our perspectives. He balanced a delicate soul with an impressive mix of charisma and strength. A magical child from a remarkable family, he leaves behind a legacy of profound longing," Spector said in a statement.

Anwar Serhan was 26 years old from Hurfeish and a soldier in the 910th Battalion. He was killed in a car crash during operations in Gush Etzion, the IDF said.

(L-R) Oriya Ayimalk Goshen, Anwar Serhan (credit: SECTION 27A COPYRIGHT ACT)
(L-R) Oriya Ayimalk Goshen, Anwar Serhan (credit: SECTION 27A COPYRIGHT ACT)

Two more soldiers killed in northern Gaza, IDF says

Earlier on Wednesday, it was announced that two IDF soldiers were killed in action in the northern Gaza Strip.

Maj. (res) Zachariah Pesach Haber, 32 years old, from Jerusalem, an armored fighter, and Sergeant Maj. (res) Yair Katz, 34 years old, from Holon, a fighter, both in the 87th Battalion, 14th Strike Brigade, fell in a battle in the northern Gaza Strip.

In addition, a reserve fighter in the 52nd Battalion, Iron Footprint Formation (401), was seriously injured in a battle in the northern Gaza Strip, and a reserve combat medic in the 6261st Brigade, Brigade 261, was seriously injured near the Gaza border.

 A military vehicle is stationed in front of a hospital during an Israeli raid, in Tulkarm, in the West Bank, January 17, 2024 (credit: REUTERS/ALI SAWAFTA)
A military vehicle is stationed in front of a hospital during an Israeli raid, in Tulkarm, in the West Bank, January 17, 2024 (credit: REUTERS/ALI SAWAFTA)

IDF reservist wounded during overnight IDF operation in Tulkarm

An IDF reservist was wounded during an overnight operation in Tulkarm when terrorists threw explosives and began shooting at IDF forces, according to an IDF statement.

The reservist was seriously wounded after being hit by gunfire. The soldier was taken to hospital for medical treatment, and his family has been notified.


Stay updated with the latest news!

Subscribe to The Jerusalem Post Newsletter


During the operation, the IDF, Shin Bet, and Border Police arrested 26 wanted terrorists in the West Bank.

The IDF searched buildings and interrogated dozens of suspects. They were also able to uncover dozens of explosives that were buried under the roads that were intended to harm the soldiers.