An Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) helicopter crashed during a rescue mission overnight, killing two soldiers, including the lead pilot, and injuring seven others.
The crash occurred just after midnight while attempting to evacuate a wounded soldier with Unit 669 forces.
Read more: Israeli Soldiers Bulldoze UN Vehicles, fire Shots, then Release Them: UN Spokesperson
Four soldiers sustained serious injuries and three others were moderately hurt; all were transported to Soroka Medical Center by 2:00 a.m.
The IDF stated that the crash happened close to the ground and that enemy forces were not involved. An investigation is underway to determine the cause.
The IDF noted that they had conducted hundreds of successful rescue missions in Gaza, saving over 1,700 soldiers before this incident.
