A man serving in the Israeli army who was killed in an attack by Hamas militants will be remembered with “nothing but love” at his former school.

Nathanel Young, who attended JFS school in Kenton, was serving with the Israeli Defence Service when he was killed on the Gaza border on Saturday (October 7).

According to the Jewish News, he studied at the Capital City College Group near King's Cross station and was keen on travelling and hip-hop dancing.

His death comes after Jake Marlow, 26, who also went to the same school, was reported missing while providing security at a music festival near Kibbutz Re’im, close to the Gaza border.

Pupils from JFS stood together in prayer today (October 9) to pay respects to Mr Young, 20.

Headteacher Dr David Moody, said: “We are devastated at the news. We have reached out to the families of those affected this morning to pass on our condolences and our offer of support.

“It would be wrong for us to speak on behalf families at a time when they are seeking the space to grieve, but it goes without saying that we are heartbroken at what has happened.

“Nathanel is fondly remembered within the school and we think of him with nothing but love. Equally, we have seen reports that Jake Marlowe is missing and we all pray that he is found soon.”

Talking about the service, he said: “As a school of 2,000 pupils we have stood together in prayer this morning and I know that the thoughts of every staff member and every student are with both families at this horrific time.”

In a post on social media, the school further wrote: “One of the things we are proudest of at JFS is the relationship we create between our students and the State of Israel.

“As a wider school community, the connections between us and the State of Israel are extensive and deep. Some of our families are Israeli-born; almost all have family and friends who live in the country.

“That is why the barbaric and atrocious acts of terrorism committed in Israel over the past couple of days have caused us all such pain and distress. We are, after all, am echad b’lev echad – one people with one heart.

“For our school community, the tragedy unfolding in Israel had an added layer of distress. Nathanel Young, a 20-year old ex-JFS student who was serving in the Israel Defence Forces, was killed by Hamas terrorists on Shabbat on the Gaza border. We all feel his loss and send our love and condolences to his family.

“In addition, Jake Marlowe, another ex-JFS pupil, is also currently missing as a result of the terror attacks. We pray he and everyone else missing are swiftly and safely returned home.

“We pray that Israel and her citizens remain safe and free from further sorrow in the weeks, months and years to come.”

At least 700 people have reportedly been killed in Israel and more than 400 have been killed in Gaza, over two days after Hamas launched its unprecedented attack.

It comes as Israel intensified its bombardment of the Gaza Strip after declaring war and vowing to destroy the “military and governing capabilities” of Hamas.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned “the appalling act of terror” by Palestinian militants as the Government continued to establish the status of UK citizens.

Dan Darlington, a UK national and photographer, is also believed to be missing along with Jake.

The Israeli government declared war on Sunday and, as of Monday, was believed to be fighting Hamas in several locations in southern Israel.

All UK Government buildings were asked to light up in Israeli blue and white on Sunday evening, with the country’s flag projected on to the outside of No 10 in a show of support.