Israeli drama 'Fauda' crew member reported dead in Gaza

Matan Meir, a reservist in Israel's 551st Brigade's 697th Battalion and a crew member on the show, was announced in an IDF list of those soldiers who died in the line of duty in Gaza, The Jerusalem Post reported.

The social media team of 'Fauda' also posted a statement on social media announcing the demise of Matan Meir.

"We are devastated to share that one of our Fauda family members, Matan Meir, was killed in action in Gaza. Matan was an integral crew member. The cast and crew are heartbroken by this tragic loss. We extend our condolences to Matan's family and friends. May his soul rest in peace," the post read.

Meir was from Odem, the IDF stated in its publication of his death. The Fauda crew member fought in the 697th Battalion of the IDF's 551st Brigade.

Apart from Fauda, Meir was also involved in the production of other shows, including the series, The Cops.

Fauda's creator, Avi Assacharoff, also took to X to share his condolences, explaining that the production crew member had fallen in battle in northern Gaza.

Hamas launched an offensive on Israel on October 7. Following this, Israel launched counter-offensive on Hamas and vowed to destroy the terrorist group.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called Hamas an "integral part of the axis of terrorism" led by Iran, which he said endangers the Middle East and Arab world as well.

While addressing the press conference along with Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and Minister Benny Gantz at Kirya in Tel Aviv, he said, "Hamas is an integral part of the axis of terrorism led by Iran, and this axis of terrorism and evil endangers the entire Middle East, and the entire Arab world as well. I am convinced that many Arab leaders understand this."The Israeli Prime Minister urged the leaders of Arab states to come out against Hamas. He noted that Hamas in the past 16 years has brought disaster to Gaza.

He said Hamas has brought two things to the residents of Gaza: "blood and poverty." He asserted that no international pressure will change Israel's faith in the justice of cause.He said, "In any case, I would like to make it clear: No international pressure, or reviling of IDF soldiers and our state will change our faith in the justice of our cause and in our right and our obligation to defend ourselves."

Netanyahu said Israel's war against Hamas is advancing at "full force" with the goal of "victory." He said that Israel will eliminate Hamas and bring back hostages. He said Israeli forces has killed thousands of terrorists, including senior commanders and arch-murderers who were involved in the attack on Israel on October 7.

"The war against Hamas-ISIS is advancing at full force and it has one goal - victory. There is no substitute for victory. We will eliminate Hamas and bring back our hostages. IDF forces have completed the encirclement of the city of Gaza," Netanyahu said. (ANI)