Yesterday, two IDF reservists were killed after a drone they were operating crashed and exploded as they investigated the crash site. The Jerusalem Post reports that the drone crashed within their outpost in the northern Gaza Strip. The military is still investigating what caused the drone to crash and explode.
The soldiers, who were reservists serving as part of the 16th Brigade, were initially evacuated to Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon but were pronounced dead, 99th Division Chief Brig.-Gen. Elad Tzuri said.
The two soldiers were Maj. (Res.) Nadav Kali, 24, from Har Halutz, and Maj. (Res.) Ofek Moalem, 23, from Jerusalem.
The soldiers were operating a drone, successfully completing their first operation, Tzuri noted.
However, during the second operation, the drone crashed within their outpost in the northern Gaza Strip. The two soldiers went to investigate the crash site, at which time the drone exploded, Tzuri said.
The two were “excellent soldiers,” Tzuri said, highlighting that one was a sergeant and the other a squad commander.
Investigators’ main theory is that communication with the drone was interrupted due to technical issues. There was a theory that Hamas used the electromagnetic spectrum to cause it to crash. However, the IDF says that the terror group lacks the operational capability to do so. While the investigation continues, the IDF has suspended the use of the type of drone involved in the accident.
In another report today, the IDF announced the elimination of another Hamas commander. Hassan Mahmoud Siam participated in the attacks of October 7, 2023, and was involved in holding hostages who had been kidnapped during the attacks. He was also involved in several shooting attacks against IDF troops in the Yellow Line area. Another terror operative, Adham Sabhi Salim Ziara, was also eliminated this week.
The Fellowship prays for the families of Kali and Moalem, and for the continued safety of IDF soldiers deployed in Gaza and throughout the region. May they be blessed and protected as they work to achieve the ultimate goal of shalom, peace, for Israel and her people.