On Sunday, the Israeli military reported the death of a brigade commander due to an explosion in northern Gaza, where Israeli forces are intensely targeting Hamas. Colonel Ahsan Daksa, commanding the 401st Brigade, was killed in the Jabalia area after an explosive hit him as he exited his tank, according to military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari.
Defence Minister Yoav Gallant confirmed that Daksa died “while fighting Hamas terrorists.” Hagari noted that another battalion commander and two officers were slightly injured in the incident. They were struck by an explosive while stepping outside to observe the area.
Daksa, 41, was a Druze community member and had been the brigade commander for four months. He was among the highest-ranking army commanders killed in the ongoing Gaza conflict. Hagari mentioned that Daksa’s brigade was leading the offensive in Jabalia.
Al-Qassam Brigades released a video of the operation in which #Israeli army 401st Armored Brigade #commander Colonel Ahsan Daksa and three Israeli officers were killed in #Jabaliya. pic.twitter.com/L8fowMF9Ot
— War Insights (@warinsights4you) October 21, 2024
Israeli forces initiated a significant land and air assault in Jabalia and other northern Gaza regions on October 6. The military aims to prevent Hamas militants from reorganising. The civil defence agency in the Hamas-controlled territory reported over 400 deaths in the two-week assault, which continued on Sunday.
Daksa had previously been honoured for rescuing wounded soldiers during Israel’s 2006 war against Hezbollah. The two sides are currently engaged in conflict again in Lebanon. Israel’s President Isaac Herzog praised Daksa as “a hero,” stating his death is a “loss to Israel and Israeli society.”
His passing raises Israel’s military fatalities to 358 in the Gaza campaign since the ground offensive began on October 27, 2023.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Times of India: Israeli brigade commander Colonel Ahsan Daksa killed in blast while fighting Hamas in Jabalia, northern Gaza, amid intense military operations and rising casualties.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who was Colonel Ahsan Daksa?
Colonel Ahsan Daksa was the commander of the 401st Brigade in the Israeli military and a member of the Druze community.
How did Colonel Ahsan Daksa die?
He was killed by an explosive in northern Gaza’s Jabalia area while exiting his tank.
What was Colonel Ahsan Daksa’s role in the military?
He commanded the 401st Brigade and led their offensive in Jabalia.
How many Israeli military fatalities have there been in the Gaza campaign?
There have been 358 military fatalities since the ground offensive began on October 27, 2023.
What was Daksa known for before his death?
He was honoured for rescuing wounded soldiers during Israel’s 2006 war against Hezbollah.