In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) sadly announced the deaths of three soldiers who lost their lives during combat. The IDF identified the fallen heroes as Master Sgt. Joseph Avner Doran, Sgt. 1st Class Shalev Zaltsman, and Staff Sgt. Boris Dunavetski. The loss of these brave soldiers brings the total number of Israeli military casualties to 121 since the start of the ground operation in Gaza.

Master Sgt. Joseph Avner Doran, 26 years old, hailed from Jerusalem, having moved to Israel from France during his childhood. He served in a reconnaissance unit of the Shayetet 13 commando unit. Survived by his parents, Eliyahu and Rachel, his wife Talia, and his younger brother Eyal, Sgt. Doran tragically lost his life in battle in the northern Gaza Strip.

Sgt. 1st Class Shalev Zaltsman, 24 years old, was a resident of Ramat Yishai. Sgt. Zaltsman served in the 6623rd Battalion of the Paratroopers Brigade. He is survived by his parents, Ella and Michael, his sister Linor, brother Nir, and his partner Geffen. Sgt. Zaltsman made the ultimate sacrifice while fighting in the southern Gaza Strip.

Staff Sgt. Boris Dunavetski, only 21 years old, belonged to the Armored Corps 46th battalion. Hailing originally from Russia, he moved to Israel in 2018, with his parents still residing there. Staff Sgt. Dunavetski, a lone soldier who lived with roommates in Kiryat Bialik, fell in battle in the northern Gaza Strip on Sunday.

These three soldiers join the tragic list of Israeli casualties, which includes Noa Marciano, the IDF spotter who was kidnapped by Hamas from the Nahal Oz base on the Gaza border. The announcement of her death was made last month.

The IDF expresses deep sorrow and extends heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of Master Sgt. Joseph Avner Doran, Sgt. 1st Class Shalev Zaltsman, and Staff Sgt. Boris Dunavetski. Their sacrifice will always be remembered as they fought courageously to protect their homeland.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, with both sides facing devastating losses. As the world watches with concern, efforts for a ceasefire and de-escalation intensify in hopes of bringing an end to the violence and the loss of more lives.