Over 1,150 Israeli security personnel killed in two years of war — MoD

The Israeli Ministry of Defence has released data on security personnel killed since the outbreak of hostilities on October 7, 2023, marking the second anniversary of the conflict.

According to the ministry, 1,152 personnel have died, including soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), police officers, Shin Bet and Shabas agents, as well as members of local security forces serving in Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, and the West Bank, Caliber.Az reports via Israeli media.

About 42% of the casualties were under the age of 21, most of whom were serving mandatory military service, while 141 victims were over 40 years old.

The Israel-Hamas war, ignited on October 7, 2023, marked a pivotal and devastating escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. On that day, Hamas launched a multifaceted assault on southern Israel, catching the Israeli military and intelligence agencies by surprise.

Hamas initiated "Operation Al-Aqsa Flood" by firing between 3,000 and 5,000 rockets from the Gaza Strip into Israel within a span of 20 minutes, causing immediate casualties and damage. Simultaneously, approximately 3,000 Hamas militants infiltrated Israel using various means, including trucks, motorcycles, bulldozers, speedboats, and paragliders. They breached border checkpoints at Kerem Shalom and Erez and created openings in the border fence at five other locations. The militants targeted civilian communities, military installations, and infrastructure, leading to widespread chaos and panic.

One of the most harrowing incidents occurred at an outdoor music festival near Re'im, where at least 325 people were killed, with many others injured or taken hostage. In total, 251 individuals, including civilians, soldiers, and children, were abducted and taken back to Gaza. The attackers also engaged in acts of mutilation, torture, and sexual and gender-based violence.

By Khagan Isayev