Indian-origin soldier among Israelis killed in gunfight with Hamas in Gaza

A 34-year-old Indian-origin Israeli soldier lost his life during clashes in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip this week.

Master Sgt. (res.) Gil Daniels, hailing from Ashdod, was killed on Tuesday, with his funeral taking place at the local military cemetery on Wednesday. The Israel Defence Forces confirmed that Gil was one of two soldiers who died during fighting in Gaza.

Expressing grief, the Indian Jewish Heritage Centre stated, “Israel has lost many soldiers in this vicious and cruel war, the best of its sons and daughters who stood up to fight for the honour of the entire nation of Israel. Today, we mourn the death of another IDF (Israel Defence Forces) soldier Master Sgt. (Res.) Gil Daniels (34), son of Yoel and Mazal.”

Gil, who earned his Masters at the School of Pharmacy at Hebrew University, was described by his friend Tirza Lavi as “a genius with a great personality” and had recently gotten engaged, reported PTI.

A member of the Bene Israel community with roots in Maharashtra, Gil attended Makif Gimel High School as a member of the class of 2007.

A classmate expressed deep sorrow, said, according to PTI, “With immense pain, we, the members of the 61st group of the class of 2007, mourn his death. His smile is remembered by all his friends.”

The toll from the Gaza conflict includes 86 Israeli soldiers reported dead since the IDF initiated its ground operation. Since October 7, at least four Israeli soldiers of Indian origin have lost their lives.

With inputs from PTI