Hadar Goldin : Missing Israeli soldier confirmed killed in action

The Israeli army has confirmed the death of missing soldier Lieutenant Hadar Goldin by checking the DNA of parts of his body found in a tunnel.

Goldin went missing in action following a deadly incident in southern Gaza on Friday morning in which two other soldiers were killed, with Israel saying it suspected he had been snatched by Palestinian militants.

Many from all over the country gathered outside his home, showing their support and offering prayers for the solider. There was an outburst of anguish when the announcement of the military was made public.

The military said before taking the conclusion, all medical concerns, religious observations and additional related matters were taken into consideration.

Previously, the military of Israel had said it thought the soldier was caught in a Hamas ambush in about one hour after a globally brokered truce came into effect on Friday morning.

Soon after it was thought the soldier was kidnapped Friday, the Israeli military conducted extensive hunts in the region and engaged in heavy firing that killed scores of Palestinians.

On Saturday, Hamas dissociated itself from the alleged capture of the solider, which had provoked widespread international criticism. President of US Barack Obama, the chief of United Nations Ban Ki-moon and others had called for his immediate and unconditional release.

Since the Gaza war began in July 8, nearly 1,712 Palestinians, including women and children have been killed and more than 9,000 have been wounded, health official of Palestine Ashraf al-Kidra said. Media shows pictures of mosques, schools and homes smashed into rubbles.

Now, Israel has lost three civilians and 64 soldiers, its highest death toll since its 2006 war with Lebanon’s Hezbollah. Hundreds of soldiers have been injured.

Agencies/Canadajournal