JERUSALEM, Israel — The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the deaths of eight Israeli soldiers in ongoing combat against Hezbollah militants in southern Lebanon.
The casualties come amid escalating violence in the region, as Israel continues its military operations against Hezbollah, a group closely tied to Lebanon and aligned with Hamas in the ongoing conflict.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the IDF named the fallen soldiers as Captain Eitan Itzhak Oster, Captain Harel Etinger, Captain Itai Ariel Giat, Sergeant First Class Noam Barzilay, Sergeant First Class Or Mantzur, Sergeant First Class Nazaar Itkin, Staff Sergeant Almken Terefe, and Staff Sergeant Ido Broyer.
“May their memories forever be a blessing,” the statement read.
Captain Eitan Itzhak Oster, Captain Harel Etinger, Captain Itai Ariel Giat, Sergeant First Class Noam Barzilay, Sergeant First Class Or Mantzur, Sergeant First Class Nazaar Itkin, Staff Sergeant Almken Terefe and Staff Sergeant Ido Broyer, all fell during combat against Hezbollah… pic.twitter.com/PYgTGyW8qZ
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 2, 2024
The deaths occurred as fighting intensified between Israeli forces and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, with the militant group acting in support of Hamas in the broader conflict with Israel.
Hezbollah, which has long-standing ties with Iran, has been exchanging fire with Israeli troops since the start of Israel’s recent military campaign.
Israel’s military actions have drawn international attention, particularly after Iran’s missile strike on Israeli targets, further fueling tensions across the Middle East.
UN Chief Declared Persona Non Grata by Israel
In a related development, Israeli authorities declared United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres persona non grata, effectively barring him from entering Israel.
The announcement came after Israeli officials criticized Guterres for his perceived failure to condemn Iran’s recent missile attacks on Israel.
Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, voiced his disapproval of Guterres’ stance in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Anyone who cannot unequivocally condemn Iran’s heinous attack on Israel… does not deserve to step foot on Israeli soil.”
He also expressed frustration over Guterres’ silence regarding Hamas’ actions, including the October 7 massacre, and accused the UN chief of failing to label Hamas a terrorist organization.
“A Secretary-General who gives backing to terrorists, rapists, and murderers… will be remembered as a stain on the history of the UN,” Katz added, condemning Guterres’ lack of action against groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.
The rising conflict and sharp diplomatic exchanges come as the Middle East continues to grapple with increasing instability, with fears of wider regional involvement growing by the day.
