Israeli Tank Commander Killed in Gaza Attack, IDF Death Toll Rises

Lt Col Salman Habaka, an Israeli tank commander hailed as a hero for his actions during a Hamas attack on Be'eri kibbutz, has been killed while commanding his tank battalion in northern Gaza. Habaka was among the first Israeli troops to arrive at the scene and engaged Hamas militants in houses where they were hiding. His death brings the Israeli military death toll to 18 since the ground invasions started. Israeli troops are advancing on Gaza City along three main routes, and casualties on both sides are expected to rise as they approach the densely populated areas.