Capt. Wassem Mahmoud, 23, from Beit Jann, and seven other IDF soldiers were killed in an explosion of an armored vehicle in Rafah, the IDF announced on Saturday.
Mahmoud was a deputy company commander in Battalion 601 of the Combat Engineers Brigade.
IDF Spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari on Saturday night said that the military is currently investigating the incident, as well as the armored vehicle that the soldiers were in.
“The explosion was either caused by a planted explosive or anti-tank fire; the incident is still being investigated,” Hagari said.
He added that the IDF will not announce the names of the additional soldiers until they finish the investigation.
Mahmoud’s uncle, Sharif Ghanem, said his nephew returned to fight in the Gaza Strip after being injured at the start of the war, Ynet reported.
“A great tragedy has befallen us. Waseem was injured at the beginning of the war by shrapnel that penetrated his arm. He was supposed to undergo surgery, but he postponed it until the end of the war. Waseem was a determined and brave fighter; everyone loved him,” his uncle said.
“Waseem was supposed to start his studies in March, but he postponed them because his main focus was the army and his unit, and ensuring the security of the country,” Ghanem shared that “His mother is completely devastated; he was the beating heart of her life. Everyone is mourning today for the son and nephew we have lost.”
The explosion occurred in the Tal as-Sultan neighborhood of Rafah.
IDF investigates explosion
The IDF is investigating whether the armored vehicle was damaged by an explosive device under the vehicle or by one attached to the side of the vehicle.
Another possibility that is being examined is that a malfunction in the explosives the vehicle was carrying caused the explosion.
A preliminary investigation revealed that the incident occurred at around five in the morning. IDF soldiers from the 401st Brigade had just completed an attack in Tal as-Sultan.
The soldiers from the attacking brigades included the 932nd Battalion and the 424th Battalion. A company from the 601st Combat Engineering Battalion joined them.
While driving through a luxurious area of the neighborhood, a massive explosion was heard, which caused the armored vehicle to explode and catch fire.
All the occupants of the vehicle, eight combat engineering soldiers, were killed on the spot. The vehicle was severely damaged, possibly since exterior sides contained large amounts of explosives, including demolition blocks, mines, and more.
The IDF stated that the explosives were located on the exterior sides of the vehicle so that if an explosion occurred, these explosives were not supposed to harm the soldiers in the vehicle’s combat compartment.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paid tribute to the eight soldiers killed in the explosion Saturday evening.
“Our hearts shatter into pieces at the enormity of this loss. The entire nation of Israel embraces the precious families in their time of deep sorrow. I strengthen our courageous fighters and commanders, who are dedicated to the sacred mission of defeating our enemies and bringing back our hostages,” he said.
“When the price is so heavy, we must remember what we are fighting for: We are fighting to ensure our existence and our future, we are fighting to bring back all our hostages,” the prime minister said.
He then spoke directly to the citizens of Israel: “Do not let anyone distract you from the simple and clear fact – despite the heavy and shocking price, we must adhere to the war goals: destroying the military and governmental capabilities of Hamas, bringing back all our hostages, ensuring that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel, and returning our residents safely to their homes – both in the North and in the South.”
Foreign Minister Israel Katz commented on the incident in a statement published to X: “A difficult Shabbat. 8 of our best sons were killed in Rafah. Knowing the price, they bravely entered Gaza to complete the mission of destroying Hamas and freeing the hostages. They knew they might have to sacrifice their lives, but they did it so we could live in this country. I salute them and hug their families.”
Opposition leader and Yesh Atid Party leader Yair Lapid also expressed his condolences on X. “The heart breaks again and again. Condolences and a big hug to the families of the fighters who were killed today in Rafah. Our hearts are with you in your difficult time. May the memory of the warriors be blessed.”