Israel acknowledges the death of a brigade commander in Gaza

While the Israeli army acknowledged the death of a colonel in the northern Gaza Strip, Israeli airstrikes on Beit Lahia in the northern sector left dozens dead and missing.

The Israeli army announced yesterday that its forces in Jabalia were targeted by an explosive device, leading to the death of Colonel Ihsan Deksa, commander of the “401st Brigade,” and injuring three other soldiers, one critically. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant mourned the fallen officer, stating that Israel “lost a brave officer.”

Meanwhile, Gaza’s health officials reported that 87 people were killed or went missing due to the Beit Lahia massacre as of last night. The UN’s Special Coordinator for the Middle East, Tor Wennesland, condemned the ongoing attacks on civilians, stating that “the scenes are horrifying.”

Separately, Hebrew media reported yesterday that the head of the Shin Bet, Ronen Bar, visited Cairo and met with the new head of Egyptian General Intelligence, Hassan Rashad, to discuss reaching a new deal regarding a prisoner exchange.

Additionally, the forum of Israeli hostage families held by Hamas demanded the government “stop playing games in the negotiations” and work seriously to finalize an exchange deal.