Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, January 23rd, 2024, 20:15

"Daniel, Shay, Adam, Itamar, Ahmad, Elkana, Sergey, Nir, Sagi, Mark, Israel, Rafael, Barak, Cydrick, Nicholas, Yoav, Yoval, Elkana, Ariel, Eder, Matan, David, Ilay, and Eyal. These are the names of 24 fallen IDF soldiers, defenders and lovers of the land, who fell last night in a battle near Kissufim and in a battle in the heart of Khan Yunis - defending Israel and the security of the southern communities. On behalf of the entire IDF, I want to express our sorrow to the families during this difficult time. The cost of war is heavy and painful. The fallen fought with dedication and immense courage. Reserve soldiers from all sectors of Israeli society, in its literal sense, truly from all parts of Israeli society, from all sectors and from all over the country, sacrificed their lives for the security of the state and for our common home. May their memory be a blessing.

The commanders conducted a preliminary investigation in the field today. These are the findings of the investigation:
Yesterday afternoon, reserve forces operated in central Gaza, near the fence, in an area about 600 meters from the border in the Kissufim area. On October 7th, terrorists came from this area, murdering and kidnapping innocent people from the Kissufim Kibbutz as well as from the military post adjacent to it. The soldiers cleared the area of terrorists and terror infrastructure in a prolonged operation, and at its conclusion, deployed explosives in several structures as part of the operational activity. The incident occurred in a combat zone when a terrorist cell surprised the forces with RPG rocket fire. The first rocket hit one of the buildings in which the explosives were deployed. The hit apparently led to an explosion that caused the collapse of the building and of the adjacent building. Most of the soldiers were killed as a result of the explosion and the collapse of the buildings. Another rocket hit a tank, which was positioned as part of the defensive force in the area, and a commander and soldier who were in the tank's turret before they managed to fire at the terrorists. The field commanders mobilized forces from the Search and Rescue Brigade and from the 669 Unit, who arrived at the site and, throughout the night, in a prolonged operation with the Air Force, evacuated all the soldiers injured in the incident. The Chief of the General Staff arrived at the location today and met with the battalion soldiers and commanders during the mission they continue to carry out. They briefed him on the event, and the Chief of the General Staff instructed them to continue to thoroughly investigate, and draw all the necessary lessons to prevent and minimize harm to our forces in incidents of this kind. The soldiers in the field continue the mission with determination and a great sense of responsibility to change the security situation in the area, near the border communities.

Our forces continue a broad operation in western Khan Yunis, one of Hamas' significant centers of gravity. It is very complex terrain, densely populated with many Hamas terrorists concealed in the area, including in sensitive facilities, trying to surprise our forces. The forces are fighting courageously using a variety of methods, skilfully and with close support of aerial fire and intelligence. Our forces are striking military posts and terror infrastructure, and over recent days, destroyed a tunnel network spanning a kilometer and a half as well as a rocket production facility. We eliminated over 100 terrorists in western Khan Yunis in the last day. We continue to fight throughout the Gaza Strip, in the north, center, and the south. We are deepening our achievements and are continuing to operate around the clock to create conditions for the return of the hostages.

On the northern border, throughout the day, several launches were identified toward Israel. Some of the launches were intercepted, with one rocket hitting an Air Force base, damaging infrastructure that was repaired within a few hours. There were no casualties, and there was no damage to the Air Force's detection capabilities or the systems operating at the base. Air Force fighter jets struck terror targets in Lebanese territory and destroyed a significant military asset used by the Hezbollah terrorist organization which was also operated by Iranian forces. We will continue to systematically damage Hezbollah's terrorist cells and capabilities, which it tries to conceal in southern Lebanon, even amidst civilian population. Our readiness in this area is very high, and we continue to strengthen it all the time. We will do whatever is necessary, I repeat, whatever is necessary, in the northern arena, to safely return the residents of the north to their homes."