A tragic accident in the Gaza Strip late last night claimed the lives of two Israeli soldiers and left eight others injured. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) identified the fallen as Sgt. First Class (res.) Nadav Cohen, 21, from Beit Hanan, and Staff Sgt. Nachman Refael Ben Ami, 20, from Eilat. Both served in the Golani Brigade’s 51st Battalion.
The incident occurred around midnight at a military position near the Israel-Gaza border. An initial IDF investigation revealed that powerful winds caused a crane supporting a surveillance platform to topple, crushing a fortified military post. The structure landed on a tent where soldiers were stationed, leading to the casualties. One of the wounded remains in serious condition.
The IDF has launched an investigation to determine why weather conditions were not factored into operational planning. Reports suggest that the probe will examine whether troops should have secured or lowered the crane overnight to prevent such a disaster. As a precaution, the military has temporarily suspended the use of similar crane platforms in the region.
Family members of the fallen soldiers expressed deep sorrow and frustration over the incident. Nadav Cohen’s uncle, Amit Cohen, lamented that the tragedy could have been avoided. “We thought the danger had passed, and then this disaster struck,” he told Israeli media. “It is simply heartbreaking.”
The accident occurred amid ongoing military operations following the outbreak of war on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led terrorists launched a deadly assault on southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and kidnapping 251 others. The subsequent Israeli ground offensive in Gaza has resulted in significant military casualties, with the death toll now reaching 410 soldiers.
Under the terms of the current ceasefire agreement, Israel has been gradually withdrawing troops from Gaza in exchange for the release of hostages, while also facilitating the release of Palestinian prisoners.
The IDF continues to investigate the circumstances of the accident while mourning the loss of two dedicated soldiers. Their memory will be honored, and lessons will be learned to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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