Israeli Military Intensifies Strikes in Gaza Following Death of Brigade Commander

The Israeli military has escalated air and artillery strikes in Gaza, one day after confirming the death of Colonel Ahsan Daksa, commander of the 401st Brigade.

Daksa was killed in an explosion while leaving his tank in the Jabalia area, as he engaged with Hamas militants. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant reported that Daksa lost his life "while fighting Hamas terrorists."

Military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari stated that another battalion commander and two officers were lightly wounded during the same incident when they stepped outside to assess the situation. Daksa, who was 41 and a member of the Druze community, had been appointed brigade commander four months prior. His brigade was actively leading operations in Jabalia.

Daksa, recognized for rescuing wounded soldiers during Israel's 2006 war against Hezbollah, was called "a hero" by President Isaac Herzog, who noted his death as a significant loss for Israel. Daksa's death raises the total military fatalities to 358 since the ground offensive began in October 2023.

On Monday, Israeli forces targeted the Saftawi area, northwest of Gaza City, and the Jabalia refugee camp while maintaining a blockade on the northern Gaza governorate for the 17th day. Reports from Al Mayadeen indicate that two Palestinians were killed and several others injured by Israeli artillery in Saftawi. Additionally, an Israeli airstrike struck western parts of northern Gaza City.

Kamal Adwan Hospital's director described the situation in northern Gaza as catastrophic, noting a complete depletion of medicine and medical supplies. In the central Gaza Strip, heavy bombardments were reported in areas northwest of the Nuseirat refugee camp.

Gaza Civil Defense spokesperson Mahmoud Basal criticized the Israeli military's actions, asserting that forces are systematically targeting civilians in northern Gaza. He accused the Israeli occupation of employing a strategy of siege and starvation against the residents of Jabalia, alongside direct attacks.

Israeli forces launched a land and air assault in Jabalia and northern Gaza on October 6 to prevent Hamas militants from regrouping. The Hamas-run civil defense agency reported over 400 deaths in the two-week operation, still ongoing as of Sunday.