Sun Jan 12 08:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Four IDF Soldiers Killed in Gaza Ambush

**JERUSALEM** – Four Israeli soldiers were killed and two others severely wounded in a terrorist ambush in northern Gaza on Saturday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced. The soldiers were part of an IDF convoy traveling near Beit Hanoun when their vehicles were targeted by a roadside explosive device.

The IDF identified the fallen soldiers as Sgt.-Maj. (res.) Alexander Fedorenko (37), St.-Sgt. Danila Diakov (21), Sgt. Yahav Maayan (19), and Sgt. Eliav Astuker (19). Fedorenko, a reservist, served in the 79th Battalion of the 14th Brigade, while the other three were members of the 931st Battalion in the Nahal Brigade.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his condolences, stating on X (formerly Twitter) that the soldiers’ “heroism and courage will be etched in our hearts forever.” Defense Minister Israel Katz echoed these sentiments, calling the event a “very difficult evening” for Israel.

Mayors from the soldiers’ hometowns also issued statements of grief and support for the families. Maayan’s funeral is scheduled for Sunday at 11 a.m. in Modi’in’s military cemetery.

The IDF confirmed that a reservist officer and another soldier from the 931st Battalion were severely wounded in the attack and are receiving medical treatment. The circumstances surrounding the ambush are under investigation.

Read More