The Israeli military has announced the death of a brigade commander in a blast in northern Gaza, where Israeli forces have been engaged in a sweeping assault targeting Hamas, AFP reports.

Colonel Ahsan Daksa, commander of the 401st Brigade, was killed in the Jabalia area when an explosive struck him as he left his tank, military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a briefing.

Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said in a separate statement that Daksa was killed “while fighting Hamas terrorists”.

Hagari said that another battalion commander and two officers were lightly wounded in the incident.

They stepped outside “to observe the area and were struck by an explosive,” he said. Daksa, 41, was a member of the Druze community and was appointed brigade commander four months ago. He was one of the most senior army commanders killed in the year-long Gaza war.

His brigade “was leading the offensive” in Jabalia, said Hagari.