2 Israeli soldiers killed in helicopter crash in southern Gaza Strip

Two Israeli soldiers were killed, and several others were injured after an Israeli Air Force (IAF) UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed in the southern Gaza Strip late last night.

The crash occurred in an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) encampment near Rafah as the helicopter was attempting to land. The military has classified the incident as an accident, and a formal investigation is underway.

The helicopter, which belonged to the IAF’s 123rd Squadron, was dispatched to Rafah at approximately 11:30 p.m. to evacuate a critically wounded combat engineer who had been injured during ongoing fighting in the area. The helicopter carried the Israeli Unit 669 medical team and was in its final approach for landing when it unexpectedly impacted the ground.

‘No Hamas fire involved’

An initial probe by the IAF has indicated that the crash was not caused by Hamas fire. The helicopter crashed moments before it was supposed to land, with the aircraft not falling from a significant height. However, the crash caused heavy damage to the helicopter and all onboard sustained injuries.

In total, two Israeli soldiers were killed, and another eight were injured, including four who were in serious condition. The seriously wounded include the combat engineer who was being evacuated for injuries sustained separately during the fighting.

Probe to determine cause of crash

The cause of the crash remains unclear, and the IAF has launched a detailed investigation to determine why the helicopter impacted the ground rather than completing a successful landing.

The names of the soldiers who were killed have not yet been released, pending notification of their families.