Yesterday, two IDF reservists lost their lives due to a Hamas mortar attack in the central Gaza Strip, as confirmed by the military.

25-year-old Sgt. First Class (res.) Omer Smadga from the Alexandroni Brigade’s 9203rd Battalion, hailing from Genot Hadar.

27-year-old Sgt. First Class (res.) Saadia Yaakov Dery also from the Alexandroni Brigade’s 9203rd Battalion, based in Tel Aviv.

Three other soldiers from the same brigade sustained serious injuries in the attack.

Hamas has taken responsibility for the mortar fire, stating it was aimed at a military post near the Zeitoun neighborhood in Gaza City.

These recent fatalities raise the total number of military personnel killed during the ground offensive against Hamas and operations along the Gaza border to 313.