IDF mourns soldier killed while battling Hamas in Gaza
- Sgt.-Maj. (res.) Vladimir Loza, 39, was killed by Hamas militants during combat.
- This incident contributed to the IDF's wartime toll, which now stands at 895 soldiers.
- The IDF continues operations in Gaza aimed at dismantling Hamas and securing the release of captives.
On July 21, 2025, an Israel Defense Forces soldier was killed while engaged in combat against Hamas in the southern Gaza Strip. The soldier, identified as Sgt.-Maj. (res.) Vladimir Loza, aged 39, served in the 5th Brigade's 7020th Battalion and hailed from Ashkelon. His death added to the growing wartime toll for the IDF in the ongoing conflict. This tragic loss followed the announcement of another soldier's death just the previous night. Staff Sgt. Amit Cohen, aged 19, a member of the Golani Brigade's 13th Battalion from Holon, was also reported killed in the fighting. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged their sacrifices, expressing condolences to the families of both lost soldiers. These developments occurred within the framework of