Israeli soldier killed by friendly fire in southern Gaza Strip

GAZA, Feb. 18 (YPA) – An Israeli soldier was killed late last night in a friendly fire incident in Khan Younis Governorate, southern Gaza Strip, Hebrew media reported

According to Israel’s Channel 12, Staff Sergeant Ofri Yafe, aged 21, from HaYogev, a soldier in the Paratroopers Reconnaissance Unit, fell during combat in the southern Gaza Strip.

Meanwhile, the occupation army radio said the incident took place in areas referred to as the “Yellow Line,” after two units from the Paratroopers Brigade left to carry out routine operational activity, including search operations and the demolition of buildings.

The report said that at approximately 2:00 a.m., one of the units mistakenly identified the other as militants and opened fire. A soldier was critically wounded as a result of the shooting.

Medical evacuation teams were called to the scene. However, during the evacuation operation, the soldier was pronounced dead before reaching the hospital.

@E.Y.M