The Israeli military announced on Friday the death of Sgt. Asaf Zamir, 19, who was killed during combat in southern Gaza’s Khan Yunis. According to the IDF and Army Radio, an anti-tank missile was fired at the tank Zamir was in, killing him and injuring four others. The strike came from an alley near the tank, catching the unit off guard.

Zamir, a native of Dimona, served in the 53rd Armored Corps Battalion of the 188th Brigade, under the 36th Division. Two of his fellow soldiers suffered severe injuries, while another was moderately wounded. A second explosion occurred during the rescue of the wounded, reportedly triggered by another anti-tank missile or a secondary explosive device. A company commander in a nearby tank sustained light shrapnel injuries.

The military continues to investigate the incident. Initial findings suggest the assailant approached the tank from behind, and the crew identified the threat only moments before the missile impact.

Earlier that day, Sgt. Yair Eliyahou, 19, from Ezer, was also reported killed in northern Gaza. Eliyahou, a combat engineer, died during a building demolition operation when a heavy machinery operator accidentally struck his vehicle, causing it to overturn. The cause of the collision remains under investigation.

With the deaths of Zamir and Eliyahou, the IDF's total fatalities since October 7, 2023, have risen to 883, including 438 soldiers killed since the start of Israel’s ground operations in Gaza on October 27, 2023.