Two Israeli Reserve Soldiers Killed by Exploding Drone in Gaza

The Israeli military confirmed Friday the deaths of two reserve soldiers, Sergeant Major Nadav Kali and Sergeant Major Ofek Moalem, in a "tragic incident" in northern Gaza. The soldiers, serving in the Jerusalem Brigade's 7007th Battalion, were killed when a "suicide" attack drone malfunctioned, crashed within their military post near Beit Hanoun, and subsequently exploded as they approached it to investigate.

The incident occurred during a mission involving the deployment of explosive drones. While the first drone successfully hit its target, the second experienced a malfunction shortly after takeoff, causing it to fall inside the military post. When the soldiers went to examine the downed drone, its explosive payload detonated, killing them.

Military medical teams provided immediate treatment, and the soldiers were evacuated by helicopter to an Israeli hospital in critical condition. Despite efforts to save them, they succumbed to their severe injuries.

The IDF has launched a comprehensive investigation into the malfunction, examining possibilities ranging from technical failure to electronic warfare interference. As a precautionary measure, all flights and use of the specific type of attack drones involved have been grounded pending the investigation's outcome.

Their deaths bring the total number of Israeli soldiers killed since the start of the war to 970.