The IDF announced that Staff-Sgt. Betzalel Zvi Kovach, who was wounded in northern Gaza on May 22, succumbed to his wounds on Sunday.

Kovach, from Jerusalem, served in the Netzach Yehuda Battalion.

Later in the evening, the IDF announced that St.-Sgt. Sahar Sudaei had also fallen in battle in northern Gaza on Sunday.

Sudaei, from Tel Aviv, served in the Rotem Battalion of the Givati Brigade.

Israeli soldiers operate in the Gaza Strip, May 26, 2024
Israeli soldiers operate in the Gaza Strip, May 26, 2024 (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

696 soldiers killed since October 7th

Since Hamas launched its attack on Israel on October 7th, 696 IDF soldiers have fallen in battle.