2 IDF soldiers killed, 3 seriously injured in mortar attack in central Gaza

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Friday the deaths of two soldiers who were killed in a mortar attack in central Gaza.

Their killing brings the death toll in the ground operation in the Gaza Strip to 309 Israeli soldiers.

Sergeant First Class (res.) Omer Smadja25, was from Ganot Hadar. He served in the 9203rd Battalion of the Alexandroni Brigade. He was a son of Oren Smadja, an Israeli judo fighter who was the first Israeli man to win an Olympic medal at the 1992 Summer Olympics.

Sergeant First Class (former) Saadia Yaakov Derai27, from Tel Aviv, was also part of the 9203rd Battalion of the Alexandroni Brigade. He was a son of Laly Derai, a regular guest in i24NEWS French channel.

Saadia Yaakov Derai was married to Racheli and had two children: Hillel, 2, and Linon, 1. He had six siblings.

His mother, Laly Derai, said: “My Saadia was a child who put everyone else’s will above his own. He achieved much more than was expected of him in all areas. He was a bright student, studied for the rabbinical exam and began a bachelor’s degree in teaching.”

“He studied every free minute and had a great sense of humor. A great father to Hilli and Linon. He was a hero through and through and never complained. On Simchat Torah he was with us and checked in. Saadia loved this nation, loved the Torah and the land and fought for it.”

Three other Israeli soldiers from the Alexandroni Brigade are said to have been seriously injured in the same incident.

Hamas claimed responsibility for the mortar attack that took place on Thursday. The group said the attack targeted an Israeli position near the Gaza neighborhood of Zeitoun.