The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed the death of a young man who was the son of an Israeli war cabinet minister. The man, identified as Yonatan Shalom, was killed in Gaza when the IDF struck at targets in the Hamas-ruled enclave.
Yonatan Shalom, the son of Construction and Housing Minister Yoav Galant, was among those who died in the IDF strike. His death was announced on Monday by the IDF, and confirmed by Galant’s office.
Galant, who served in the previous government, has been one of the most vocal voices calling for tougher action against Hamas in Gaza. Yonatan Shalom had recently enlisted in the Israeli military, and was stationed in an army outpost in the Gaza Strip.
The IDF stated that their strikes were in response to rockets fired from Gaza at southern Israel. Since the beginning of the conflict, Hamas and other Gaza-based militants have fired more than 2,500 rockets into Israel.
In a statement, the IDF said that “the IDF mourns the death of Yonatan Shalom and extends its condolences to his family,” adding that “the IDF will continue to act forcefully against the terror organizations in the Gaza Strip.”
The death of Yonatan Shalom has sent shockwaves through Israel, and he has been praised by many in the country for his willingness to serve in the military. The news has left many Israelis heartbroken, and galvanized many to call for an end to the conflict in Gaza.
The death of Shalom has come at a time of high tension in the region, with multiple rounds of violence erupting in recent weeks. While both sides have expressed interest in a ceasefire, the situation remains highly volatile, and the death of Yemeni Shalom remains a stark reminder of the tragic consequences of the conflict.