An IDF officer was killed Thursday in an apparent accident during operations in southern Gaza, bringing Israel’s death toll in its renewed ground offensive against Hamas to 41 since March. The fallen soldier was identified as Captain Reei Biran, 21, a reconnaissance team commander in the Golani Brigade and a resident of Shorashim. According to an IDF investigation, troops were preparing to demolish buildings in Khan Younis suspected of housing Hamas operatives. After rigging the structures with mines, an explosion occurred approximately two hours later. Captain Biran was struck—likely by shrapnel or debris—and succumbed to his wounds shortly thereafter. The circumstances remain under further inquiry. In a separate incident overnight in northern Gaza’s Jabalia region, two IDF soldiers were wounded—one moderately and one lightly—when their tank came under anti-tank fire. Both were evacuated to a military hospital, and their families were notified, the IDF said. Captain Biran is the nephew of Orna and Eitan Biran, who paid tribute to his character and sacrifice. “Reei was a figure of inspiration—devoted, principled, guided by mission and love for humanity,” his aunt Orna told Ynet. His uncle Eitan wrote on Facebook, “Reei was a child of light, a brave fighter, a beloved son and brother. The loss is unfathomable.” Captain Biran’s girlfriend Avia posted on Instagram, “You’re the love of my life. Please come back to me.” Since October 2023, including frontline and border operations, 451 Israeli security personnel have been killed in connection with the conflict around Gaza, among them two police officers and three Defense Ministry civilian contractors. (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)