Corporal Lior Ziv, 19, from Holon, was a cameraman for the IDF Spokespersons Office and was killed while filming an anti-terror operation in Gaza.

An initial inquiry reveals that while IDF forces searched buildings in the area, a Palestinian sniper opened fire - killing Sergeant Lior Ziv, and wounding two other IDF soldiers. Two additional IDF soldiers were wounded, one seriously and one lightly, during rescue attempts.

"Keeping in mind the events of Operation 'Ebb And Flow,' the IDF decided to place emphasis on operational documentation," explained Brigadier General Gadi Shmani, Commander of the Gaza Division. "The mission of the photographers is to bring back accurate pictures from our perspective," added Brig. Gen. Shmani.

An additional goal of documenting IDF operations is to draw appropriate operational conclusions. "We attempt to act in the most surgical manner possible. The war against terror is continuing and will not stop for even a moment," stated a determined Shamani.

Brig. Gen. Yaron stated in an interview to Israel's Channel 1 that Sergeant Lior Ziv, the IDF photographer killed while documenting IDF operations in Gaza, "had been in the IDF Spokesperson's Office Film and Photography Unit for almost a year."

Brig. Gen. Yaron added that "Lior was drafted in May 2002 to the IDF Spokesperson's Office Film and Photography Unit after studying photography in school?His dream was to be an IDF photgrapher."

Click here to view pictures of Lior

The main activity of the IDF Spokesperson's Office Film and Photography Unit is to document IDF operations and distribute video and photographs to the media in an effort to show the essence of IDF activity. The material is distributed to news agencies, the press, and civilian organizations that request material on different topics.

"The photographers of the unit escort combat forces in order to document the weapon depots that the IDF uncovers, the explosive laboratories, the detention of terrorists, and essentially, the dilemmas and activities of our troops," explained Brig. Gen. Yaron.

"The photographers are an integral part of combat forces. Their pictures shape the words and give them meaning. Part of the battle and its outcome is not only the physical aspect in the field, but the simultaneous activities that the photographers are carrying out."

Click here to view the last pictures taken by Lior

In addition to documenting operational activity which is done with tremendous dedication and courage, the unit produces films, including documentaries, movies, emergency films and public service announcements. The unit distributes annually approximately 500 videos documenting IDF activity.

A year ago the Film and Photography Units were merged and now are part of the operational branch of the IDF Spokesperson's Unit. Moreover, the unit is responsible for training fighters for operational documentation.

The unit includes professional staff of producers, editors, photographers (video and photography), graphic artists, and tens of reserves soldiers that comprise the professional and unique background of the unit.

"These pictures that are taken during operations describe the enemy with whom we are dealing," explained Brig. Gen. Yaron. Brig. Gen. Yaron continued that, "an example of the enemy is expressed in pictures that show Palestinians in civilian clothes shooting at out soldiers and children throwing explosive devices and Molotov cocktails at IDF forces. This is a portrayal for all to see that we are fighting a population that is not innocent, and a portion of which are terrorists."

Lior was the first IDF cameraman to fall in the line of duty.

When Death Falls on those who Illustrate the Truth

When someone from your Army unit dies in action - there is not much to say. Words do not articulate at such a time.

But for Corporal Lior Ziv, 19 of Holon who served in the IDF Spokesperson Office as a photographer - the "picture" would say it all. He knew that.

Ziv's death clearly illustrates the difference between Israel and our enemies.

We don't use lies and propaganda to make our points, rather we use pure fact when discussing our actions to defend ourselves - to defend Israel's right to exist.

Lior was not from a combat unit - long known for it's daring and bravery - but rather from a unit known for it's "jobniks" - it's office workers who often sweat behind the front line.

Lior performed the "silent work" alongside the fighters - documenting all of their actions and the actions of those who wish us death.

Lior's efforts - are those of many in the IDF Spokesperson's Office who work throughout the night in situations as dangerous as those that face Givati, Golani, Combat Engineers and the Paratroopers.

It is the Lior Ziv's who documented the battle of Jenin, the Church of Navity and each and every operation that the IDF enters into.

It is the Lior Ziv's who photograph the weapons, the tunnels and the documents found at 3 a.m. in some dark corner of the West Bank or Gaza.

What bothers me most was Lior's age.
To have sacraficed his life before ever living - before knowing the blessings and fruits of being a father and a husband is the most terrible price to pay.

When I, at more than twice his age, look at Lior, I can only say: "I would have taken the bullet for you."

God bless Lior Ziv and his family.
And thank you Lior ... for documenting the truth.