First Female Israeli Soldier’s Tragic Fate in Conflict with Hamas

Soldier in camouflage gear with Israeli flag patch.

Staff Sergeant Agam Naim, a 20-year-old paramedic, became the first female Israeli soldier to fall in combat with Hamas in Gaza, dying alongside three comrades in a booby-trapped building.

At a Glance

Staff Sgt Agam Naim, 20, was killed in a building explosion in southern Gaza
She was the first female Israeli soldier to die in combat in Gaza during this conflict
Naim insisted on returning to her unit despite being ill and nearing the end of her assignment
Her death highlights the increasing role of women in combat positions in the Israeli military
The incident occurred during a weapons search operation in Rafah’s Tel Sultan neighborhood

A Dedicated Soldier’s Ultimate Sacrifice

Staff Sergeant Agam Naim, a 20-year-old paramedic from Kibbutz Mishmarot, made the ultimate sacrifice for her country, becoming the first female Israeli soldier to fall in combat in the Gaza Strip. Naim, along with three other soldiers from the 401st Armored Brigade’s 52nd Battalion, lost her life when a hidden explosive device detonated inside a building in Tel Sultan, Rafah.

Naim’s dedication to her duty was evident in her final days. Despite being ill and nearing the end of her assignment, she insisted on returning to Gaza to support her fellow soldiers. Her aunt, Muriel, recalled a poignant conversation where Naim expressed her commitment: “She said that she wouldn’t be able to look into the eyes of the mothers of her comrades in her unit if they were going to Gaza and she wasn’t there to take care of them.”

Pictured: First female Israeli soldier killed in Gaza

Agam Naim, a 20-year-old paramedic, served in the 401st Armored Brigade and was killed with three other troops by an explosive device near in Tel al-Sultan in Gaza’s south

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Rising Role of Women in Combat

Naim’s tragic death underscores the increasing role of women in combat positions within the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The Iron Swords War has marked a significant turning point for female combat soldiers, with unprecedented numbers of young women volunteering for elite combat units.

“After Hamas’s October 7 massacre and widespread sexual violence against women, the number of women applying to combat roles in the IDF spiked, with unprecedented numbers of young women volunteering for elite combat units. Israelis have high levels of trust in the IDF. The willingness of young Israeli women to risk their lives for their country demonstrates a cohesiveness and unity that have only been strengthened by the events of the past year,” wrote Enia Krivine, Senior Director of FDD’s Israel Program and National Security Network.

Female soldiers have taken on significant roles in combat, including reconnaissance and repelling terrorists. As paramedics, they play a crucial role in providing medical treatment under fire, demonstrating both bravery and unwavering professionalism in extremely difficult conditions.

The Ongoing Conflict in Gaza

The incident that claimed Naim’s life occurred during a weapons search operation conducted by the 401st Armored Brigade in Rafah’s Tel Sultan neighborhood. Hamas operatives reportedly booby-trap numerous homes in the area and wait in tunnels for troops to arrive, creating a treacherous environment for Israeli forces.

“According to IDF officials, Hamas operatives booby-trapped a vast number of homes in Rafah and have waited in tunnels for troops to arrive.”

The loss of Staff Sergeant Agam Naim and her fellow soldiers adds to the mounting toll of Israel’s ground offensive, which has claimed 348 Israeli soldiers’ lives since October 7. As the conflict continues, the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers like Naim serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of war and the dedication of those who serve their country in times of crisis.