4 soldiers killed in IED explosion in Jabaliya as IDF continues to fight Hamas in northern Gaza

The IDF published new details about the deaths of four Israeli soldiers who were killed in the northern Gaza Strip on Tuesday.

Captain Yonathan (Yoni) Keren, Staff Sergeant Nisim Meital, Staff Sergeant Aviv Gilboa, and Staff Sergeant Naor Haimov all served in Unit 888, the IDF’s Multidimensional Unit, also called the "Ghost Unit."

The four soldiers were killed by an Improved Explosive Device (IED) that detonated on one of the upper floors of a building in Jabaliya. Another officer from the unit was seriously injured in the incident, along with two other soldiers. 

The incident took place around 3 a.m. A smaller team from the unit entered the building to search and ensure no terrorists or weapons were present in the area. The unit allegedly intended to use the building for ongoing operations in the neighborhood. During the search, an IED exploded, killing the four soldiers instantly and injuring several others.

The findings of the IDF’s investigation into the incident were shared with the families before being released to the press.

The Multidimensional Unit was established in 2019, during the tenure of then-IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi, and incorporates a range of capabilities designed to effectively expose and rapidly eliminate the enemy. These capabilities include drones, robots, and other advanced technological tools.

The soldiers frequently test new equipment and techniques before they are introduced to other IDF units. Those selected for Unit 888 undergo rigorous screening, including special operations training and testing for creativity and problem-solving skills.

Although the IDF previously operated in Jabaliya, the current operation to destroy Hamas forces in the area has been its most intense activity in the neighborhood since the beginning of the war last year.

The previous commander of Unit 888, Colonel Roi Levi, died on Oct. 7 fighting terrorists in the battle at Kibbutz Re'im, near the Gaza border. Levi was 44 years old at the time of his death and is survived by his wife and five children.

The Multidimensional Unit has been operating for a week in Jabaliya as part of the operations of the 401st Armored Brigade’s combat team. 

Along with the 401st Brigade and 460th Armored Brigade, the Givati Brigade Combat Team has continued its operations in Jabaliya in recent weeks. 

Recently, soldiers from those brigades participated in the area of the Kamal Adwan Hospital area, eliminating terrorists, and locating and destroying weapons, tunnel shafts and rocket launchers. 

The forces have also detained many terrorists, transferring them to security forces for interrogation. 

Following reports of high civilian casualties after an IDF strike in Beit Lahiya on Tuesday, the IDF said it is investigating the incident. However, the military also warned that Hamas has previously misreported civilian death tolls, counting its fighters as civilians. 

Palestinian sources reported that over 90 people were killed in the strike, including at least 20 children.

The IDF urged media outlets “to be careful with information published by Hamas, as has been proven [wrong] in several previous events.” It added that Beit Lahiya is an active combat zone and that residents were warned to evacuate earlier this month.