JERUSALEM – Six Israeli soldiers were killed on Thursday in two separate attacks, one in Gaza’s southern city of Rafah and another at the Allenby Crossing on the Jordan-Israel border.
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), four Israeli soldiers lost their lives when a Humvee was struck by a powerful roadside bomb in Rafah’s Jenina neighbourhood. The attack happened around 9:30 a.m. as a D9 bulldozer and two Humvees were clearing the route. Three others were wounded in the explosion.
The slain soldiers were identified as Maj. Omri Chai Ben Moshe, 26; Lt. Eran Shelem, 23; Lt. Eitan Avner Ben Itzhak, 22; and Lt. Ron Arieli, 20. Social media images later showed the vehicle heavily damaged from the blast.
An IDF probe revealed that the Humvee had moved close to the roadside before being hit. The military is investigating the type of device, how it was triggered, and when it was planted.
IDF Spokesman Brig Gen Effie Defrin said troops remain active in Rafah, targeting underground infrastructure allegedly used by Hamas operatives. Despite earlier clearing operations, the IDF believes several dozen fighters remain in the area.
Hours later, a separate incident claimed the lives of two more Israeli soldiers at the Allenby Crossing. A Jordanian truck driver, who had entered Israel to deliver humanitarian aid, opened fire at security personnel.
The victims were identified as Lt.-Col. (res.) Yitzhak Harosh, 68, and Sgt. Oran Hershko, 20. The attacker also attempted to stab people at the scene before being shot dead by a security guard.
Officials said the Allenby Crossing attack raised concerns about possible accomplices. Meanwhile, Israel’s military death toll since the start of its ground offensive and border operations has now reached 469.
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