Israeli military officials have informed the family of Lieutenant Hadar Goldin that he was killed in Gaza, ending hopes that he had been kidnapped. Goldin, an officer in the Givati Brigade, was attacked along with his unit while working to dismantle a tunnel near Rafah, where two other soldiers were also killed. Despite initial reports and a search operation, evidence found at the scene led a special panel to confirm his death. The announcement brought deep sorrow to Goldin's family, who had publicly pleaded for his safe return and urged the government not to leave Gaza until he was found. Goldin, 23, was engaged just weeks before his deployment and came from a family with a strong tradition of military service and commitment to the country.