Israel-Hamas War: A 20-year-old Indian-origin soldier, identified as Staff Sergeant Halel Solomon, was among the fatalities incurred by Israeli forces in their ongoing operation against Hamas militants in Gaza, the mayor of his hometown informed on Wednesday. Halel hailed from Dimona, which is a township known for having a large concentration of Jews who migrated from India and their descendants.
"It is with great sorrow and grief that we announce the death of a son of Dimona, Halel Solomon, in the battle in Gaza," Dimona's Mayor Benny Bitton posted on Facebook while announcing Halel's demise.
The post by Bitton added, "We share in the grief of the parents, Ronit and Mordechai, and the sisters: Yasmin, Hila, Vered, and Shaked... Halel aspired to do a meaningful service and enlisted in the Givati (Brigade)."
"Halel was a devoted son and had respect for his parents always in his eyes. Possessing immense good qualities he believed in endless giving, modesty, and humility. The whole city of Dimona is grieving his passing," Bitton further wrote.
Israel has, so far, confirmed the death of 11 of its soldiers in its military campaign in Gaza that was launched in the wake of the October 7 Hamas onslaught on Israeli territory. "We are in a difficult war. This will be a long war. We have so many important achievements but also painful losses," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.
The Israel Defence Forces recently launched its ground assault against Hamas targets in Gaza, weeks after bombarding the Palestinian exclave and warning residents of the northern half of the territory to move southward.
On Tuesday, an Israeli strike at the Jabalia refugee camp in north Gaza killed dozens of people according to hospital authorities, leaving a moonscape of craters. Israel said its strike targeted a senior Hamas commander.
(With inputs from agencies)