Israeli Soldier Killed During Hamas Abduction Attempt In Khan Younis

An Israeli soldier, Master Sgt. Abraham Azulay, was killed during an attempted abduction by Hamas fighters in southern Gaza's Khan Younis. Azulay, a heavy engineering operator with a complex service history including prior demotion and reinstatement, was attacked while operating an excavator. Hamas gunmen emerged from a tunnel and tried to abduct him, but after a struggle, they shot and killed the soldier; Israeli forces then prevented the militants from taking his body. Following his death, the IDF posthumously restored and promoted Azulay's rank as a tribute to his sacrifice. This incident occurred amid ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza, including efforts to surround Hamas fighters in Beit Hanoun and continued ground offensives after earlier deadly ambushes on Israeli troops. The IDF stated that their operations aim to dismantle Hamas's military capabilities and suggested the offensive might facilitate a hostage deal with the terror group.