Two IDF Soldiers Killed in Gaza Drone Malfunction
The IDF announced Thursday that two reserve soldiers, Sergeant Major Nadav Kali and Sergeant Major Ofek Moalem, were killed in the Gaza Strip due to a malfunction involving an Israeli military drone. The incident occurred Thursday afternoon in a forward operating base in northern Gaza, where the 77th Battalion of the 16th Brigade is active.
According to the IDF spokesperson, two drones were deployed during operational activity. One drone, an "Atalef" type, was flown and detonated at its target. A second drone was either flown back or fell under unclear circumstances onto a shelter within the base. When Kali and Moalem approached the second drone to inspect it, it exploded, causing severe to critical injuries.
The two soldiers were evacuated to a hospital, where they were pronounced dead. The IDF stated that the drone explosion was caused by a technical fault and emphasized that the incident occurred within Gaza involving Israeli forces. An investigation committee has been established to examine the circumstances of the event, with a rapid technical assessment underway to issue further directives.
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