Israeli soldier wounded in Gaza protests last week dies
Border Police St.-Sgt. Barel Hadaria Shmueli, who was shot pointblank during Palestinian demonstration on the Gaza border on Aug. 21, has succumbed to his wounds.
The 21-year-old died today at Soroka Hospital.
Barel's family released an emotional statement.
"Today, we parted with the child who sacrificed his life to protect us and be the best man he can be. Barel, we may be saying goodbye but we will never forget you. It was a privilege to know you and a shame we didn't have more time," the statement read.
Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said no words were "sufficient to comfort the family in its deep mourning."
"Barel was a fighter in his life and in his death. He fought for his life until the last moment, as all Israel prayed for him," he said.
The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.