Israeli Platoon Leader Dies from September Wounds in Gaza

November 2, 2024

This picture taken from Beit Lahya shows smoke rising in the adjacent neighbourhood of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, during an Israeli strike on November 1, 2024. - Since October 6, the Israeli military has mounted a sweeping air and land assault on northern Gaza, initially focused on the Jabalia area, describing it as an operation aimed at preventing Hamas militants from regrouping. (Photo by AFP)

The Israeli military has confirmed the death of Captain Yarden Zakay, a platoon leader in the Givati Brigade, who died from injuries he sustained during clashes in southern Gaza on 17 September 2023. Zakay, 21, was critically injured in one of the early skirmishes of the conflict.

According to Israeli military data, 778 soldiers have been killed since hostilities with Gaza intensified on 7 October 7, 2023, with over 367 casualties reported since Israel launched a ground invasion on October 27. Israel’s recent offensive, which followed an attack by Hamas last year, has led to widespread devastation in Gaza, despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire.