An Israeli soldier killed in action Saturday, two die of their injuries

The number of Israeli fallen in battle in the first 19 days of the Gaza operation rose to 43 Saturday night with the death of Master Sgt. Barak Rafael Degorker, 27, from Gan Yavneh. He was hit by a cross-border mortar shell after Israel declared a unilateral extension of a ceasefire. Two officers died of their wounds in hospital early Sunday. They are Capt. Liad Lavi, 22, from Sde Nitzan, and Master Sgt. Rami Kachalon, 39, from Hadera, both paratroopers. Although Hamas refused to observe the added four hours to the 12-hour ceasefire of Saturday and continued shooting rockets and mortars at the Israeli population, Israel unilaterally approved an additional 24-hour pause for Sunday up until midnight.