Four Israeli soldiers were killed and three others wounded in an explosion in the Jenina neighborhood of eastern Rafah at approximately 9:30 AM UTC on September 18th, 2025. The incident occurred when a Hummer vehicle struck a powerful explosive device, according to an IDF spokesperson. The fallen soldiers have been identified as Major Omri Hay bin Moshe, 26; Lieutenant Ron Arieli, 20; Lieutenant Eitan Avner Bin Ishaq, 22; and Lieutenant Eran Shalim, 23. All were trainees in the "Dickel" battalion at the officers' school and had served in various elite brigades. The IDF is investigating the possibility of sniper fire accompanying the explosion, though this has not been confirmed. An IDF spokesperson stated that while the Rafah area is largely controlled by forces, pockets of resistance remain, with an estimated several dozen terrorists still present. The spokesperson also noted that underground infrastructure is being targeted for destruction. Hamas released a statement claiming that Israeli hostages are scattered throughout Gaza City neighborhoods and their fate is uncertain as long as Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu "has decided to kill them."
