Senior Israeli commander killed in north Gaza: army

The Israeli military announced on Sunday the death of a brigade commander in a blast in northern Gaza, where Israeli forces have intensified their offensives.

Colonel Ahsan Daksa, commander of the 401st Brigade, was killed in the Jabalia area when an explosive struck him as he left his tank, military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a briefing.

Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said in a separate statement that Daksa was killed "while fighting Hamas terrorists."

Hagari said that another battalion commander and two officers were lightly wounded in the incident.

They stepped outside "to observe the area and were struck by an explosive," he said.

Daksa, 41, was a member of the Druze community and was appointed brigade commander four months ago. He was one of the most senior army commanders killed in the year-long Gaza war.

His brigade "was leading the offensive" in Jabalia, said Hagari.

Israeli forces launched a withering land and air assault in Jabalia and other parts of northern Gaza on Oct. 6, which the military claims aim to "prevent Hamas militants from regrouping."

Gaza's civil defense agency said that more than 400 people have been killed in the two-week assault, which was still underway on Sunday.

His death brings Israel's military fatalities to 358 in the Gaza war.