Two Israeli Reservists Killed by IDF Drone Explosion in Gaza

The IDF confirmed the deaths of two reservist soldiers, Sergeant First Class Nadav Kali, 24, from Har Halutz, and Sergeant First Class Ofek Moalem, 23, from Jerusalem, who were killed by the explosion of an Israeli military drone in a Gaza Strip outpost. The incident occurred Thursday afternoon while soldiers from the 7007th reserve battalion of the Jerusalem Brigade were operating an "Atalef" attack drone. After the drone took off, it crashed within the outpost's perimeter. Kali and Moalem approached the drone to check for a technical malfunction when it exploded, sustaining fatal injuries. They were evacuated by helicopter to Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon, where their deaths were pronounced. This incident marks the first IDF fatalities in Gaza in over seven months, bringing the total number of fallen soldiers since the war's commencement to 970, including 475 in Gaza battles and 87 in southern Lebanon clashes. In response to the tragedy, the Commander of the Ground Forces ordered a 48-hour suspension of attack drone usage as a precautionary measure, pending a review. The IDF Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, has also ordered the formation of an expert team, led by Brigadier General in the Ground Forces, to investigate the circumstances and prevent future occurrences. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed condolences, stating, "Nadav and Ofek were brave reservist fighters who defended Israel's security." Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also offered his sympathies, noting the timing of the loss as Israel prepares for a holiday.