The Israeli military has confirmed the death of Colonel Ahsan Daksa, a senior commander of the 401st Brigade, in northern Gaza during intense operations targeting Hamas militants. The incident occurred on Sunday, in the Jabalia area, where Israeli forces have been engaged in a broad assault aimed at weakening Hamas’s foothold in the region.
According to Israeli military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, Colonel Daksa, aged 41, was killed when an explosive device struck him after he stepped outside his tank to assess the area. Two other officers, including a battalion commander, were also injured but sustained only minor injuries in the blast.
Hagari detailed the moment, stating, “They stepped outside to observe the area and were struck by an explosive.”
Daksa, a prominent member of the Druze community, was appointed commander of the 401st Brigade just four months ago. He was leading a critical offensive in Jabalia, a strategic zone for Israeli forces during their campaign in northern Gaza.
The Israeli Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, praised Daksa’s bravery, saying he was killed “while fighting Hamas terrorists.” Daksa’s death has been described as one of the most significant losses for the Israeli military since the beginning of the Gaza war.