IDF soldier dies of wounds sustained in Gaza border ambush

[Behind the Aegis]

An Israel Defense Forces soldier died Sunday of wounds sustained when Palestinian militants ambushed an IDF jeep patrolling the Gaza Strip border Thursday.

Staff Sergeant Liran Banai of Ashkelon was driving the jeep when it rolled over an explosive device next to Kibbutz Ein Hashlosha, on the Israeli side of the border with central Gaza.

He was critically wounded in the attack, and flown by helicopter to Soroka Medical Center in Be'er Sheva, where doctors worked tirelessly in a failed effort to save his life.

Banai will be laid to rest at 4:30 P.M. Sunday at Ashkelon's military ceremony, the IDF said.

Another soldier, whose name was not made public as per his family's wishes, was sitting in the front passenger seat and was killed in the attack. Two soldiers who were in the rear seat were lightly wounded.

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