Defense Minister Israel Katz addressed the deaths of Sergeant Yinnon Noriel and Captain Amir Saad in Khan Younis from an explosive device attached to an armored personnel carrier, and the announcement that Staff Sergeant (res.) Bezalel Yehoshua from Sabacher died of his wounds after being seriously injured a week ago in battle in southern Gaza Strip, saying: "The State of Israel has lost three young heroes, among its finest sons, who acted for the country's security and for the return of all our hostages." He added: "I send my deepest condolences to the bereaved families who received the hardest news of all. An entire nation embraces you."