Col. Ehsan Daqsa, commander of Israel's 401st Armored Brigade, was killed in northern Gaza during an ongoing offensive against Hamas in the Jabaliya area. Daqsa, a high-ranking officer from the Druze community, died when he and other officers were struck by an explosive device after exiting their tanks to observe the area. His death marks a significant loss for the IDF, as he was one of the most senior officers killed in the Gaza conflict, which has resulted in over 400 Palestinian and 358 Israeli military fatalities since the offensive began in October 2023. Daqsa's leadership was pivotal during the conflict, and he was previously honored for his bravery in the 2006 war against Hezbollah. The incident underscores the relentless nature of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which intensified following the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. Daqsa's passing has been mourned widely, particularly in his hometown of Daliyat al-Karmel, where he is remembered as a hero and humble warrior.