IDF (the Israel Defense Forces) has launched an investigation into a friendly fire incident that claimed the lives of five soldiers and injured seven others in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza on Wednesday. The soldiers, members of the Paratroopers Brigade’s 202nd Battalion, were killed when an Israeli tank mistakenly fired two shells at a building where they had established a post.
Incident Details
According to the IDF, the paratroopers had notified the tank crews earlier in the day that they were setting up a post in the building. However, later that evening, the tank crews, in the midst of ongoing battles and mistakenly believing they had spotted a gun barrel belonging to armed terrorists in one of the building’s windows, fired the shells.
The soldiers were identified as –
- Roy Beit Yaakov, 22
- Staff Sgt. Gilad Arye Boim, 22
- Daniel Chemu, 20
- Ilan Cohen, 20
- Staff Sgt. Betzalel David Shashuah, 21
In addition to the deaths, seven soldiers were injured in the incident, with three sustaining serious injuries.
The IDF’s presence in the area followed heavy clashes, including battles with militants using anti-tank grenades, leading to the tank crews closing all viewing slits and the top hatch for protection.
Global Context
The incident has occurred against a backdrop of high global tensions. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has expressed strong objections to Israel’s assaults on Rafah, calling for an urgent ceasefire. Meanwhile, Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel from Lebanon.
The USA military has completed the installation of a floating pier to facilitate the delivery of aid to the besieged enclave.
IDF: The floating pier for bringing humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip was successfully connected; In the upcoming days, trucks will begin entering
The connection of the floating pier in the Gaza Strip was successfully completed. In recent weeks, the IDF and the Ministry of… pic.twitter.com/kJ5gd1eMbg
— Israel ישראל (@Israel) May 16, 2024
Logistical, weather and security challenges still complicate the process.
Petition for the IDF
Over 900 parents of Israeli soldiers have petitioned for the IDF to halt its operations in Rafah, describing it as a “death trap” for their children. Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has announced plans to send additional troops into Rafah and intensify military operations there.
Death Toll
According to latest figures, the death toll of the Israel-Gaza War since 7 October, 2023 stands at 35774 people killed in Palestine and 1139 in Israel. Of the former, at least 502 people have been killed in the Occupied West Bank, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.
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