Another 170 soldiers have been added to Israel's list of the dead
In the year since the previous Memorial Day, Israel has lost another 170 service members. The country’s Ministry of Defense announced this ahead of the annual commemorations. In addition, 54 veterans with disabilities died from injuries sustained earlier and were also officially recognized as fallen, according to The Times of Israel.
The Israeli Ministry of Defense released new data on military casualties ahead of Memorial Day, which will be observed next week. Over the past year, 170 Israel Defense Forces soldiers have been added to the list of the fallen.
The ministry clarified that these figures include not only those killed in combat. The list includes all military personnel and police officers who died during the year—while on duty, as a result of accidents, illness, or suicide.
It is also noted that another 54 veterans with disabilities, who had previously been wounded, died from the consequences of their injuries. This year, they were also officially recognized as fallen soldiers. In total, according to the ministry, the number of fatalities in Israel since 1860 has reached 25,644. This includes all military personnel and law enforcement officers who have died during this period.
The ministry also provided data on the families of the deceased. Currently, there are 59,583 people in Israel who have lost loved ones—these are the parents, widows, children, and siblings of the deceased. Over the past year, another 7,165 relatives have been added to this list. The ministry attributes this, in particular, to the aftermath of the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, following which the number of casualties rose sharply.
Memorial Day for fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism in Israel is traditionally held annually and is accompanied by nationwide ceremonies. On this day, all those who have died are honored, and families who have lost loved ones are supported.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hagset also stated that American troops in the Middle East are ready to resume combat operations if Iran does not agree to a peace deal.
As a result of the Israeli strike, the Qasimiyeh Bridge, which connected southern and northern Lebanon, was severely damaged. This has complicated the delivery of humanitarian aid and effectively cut off part of the population.
The U.S. stated that it would use force against ships attempting to circumvent the blockade of Iran.
Israel stated that it had eliminated two armed individuals in the northern part of the Gaza Strip.
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