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Missing Israeli 2nd Lt. Hadar Goldin Confirmed Dead

The Israel Defence Forces on Saturday determined that 2nd Lt. Hadar Goldin, previously considered captured by Hamas, was killed in battle in Gaza on Friday.

A special panel headed by Chief Military Rabbi Brig. Gen. Rafi Peretz announced the death of Goldin, an infantry officer in the Givati Brigade.

The conclusion was based on forensic evidence from the scene of the attack,a statement by the IDF Spokespersons Unit said. It added that prior to the decision, religious, medical and other relevant issues were taken under consideration.

Goldins family was notified of the decision by the Head of the IDF Personnel Directorate Maj. Gen. Orna Barbivai, and the Chief Military Rabbi Brig. Gen. Rafi Peretz. Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon accompanied the two officers.

Goldin went missing on Friday morning during an attack by Hamas militants on Israeli soldiers in southern Gaza Strip. Two other Israeli soldiers were killed in the attack. The incident occurred during a breach of the humanitarian ceasefire declared a few hours earlier between Israel and Palestinian factions in Gaza.

The IDF previously said that according to information at its disposal, Goldin was with Maj. Benaya Sarel and Staff Sgt. Liel Gidoni during the attack, both of whom died. It added that Sarel and Gidoni are believed to have been killed by a suicide bomber and that fire was exchanged during the incident.

On Saturday evening, Goldins family held a press conference and demanded that the IDF not leave Gaza without their son.

Im a battalion commander, Ive been in the reserves until I was 50 and cant imagine the IDF would forsake its fighter, said Goldins father, Dr. Simcha Goldin. My commander in Northern Command was [IDF Chief of Staff] Benny Gantz and I know he will not order the IDF to leave anywhere when theres a soldier inside.

Goldins mother added: I demand that the State of Israel not leave Gaza until it brings my boy back home. Hadar is Zurs twin, Zurs second half. They both serve in the same place. I demand that the State of Israel not forsake my child and not forsake any child who went off to defend Israel.