Two Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza by drone they were operating

On Thursday, two Israeli soldiers, Nadav Kali, 24, and Ofek Moalem, 23, lost their lives in Gaza while operating a drone. The young reservists were stationed in the north of the strip when the first-person-view drone crashed at their military post. The tragedy worsened when the duo went to investigate the crash and it subsequently exploded.

In response to the incident, Israel's military decided to temporarily ground its small drone units equipped with explosives. An investigation into the incident has been initiated by a brigadier general. Since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023, Israel has suffered 479 military casualties in the strip. The toll in Palestinian lives has been devastating, with over 73,400 fatalities, including more than 1,330 since a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was declared in October of the previous year.

Despite the purported ceasefire, Israel has maintained frequent strikes and occupies the majority of Gaza, labeling it a military buffer zone.

Israeli journalist Amir Tibon expressed his concern over the incident two months after the soldiers' deaths were reported. During a previous event two months ago, a worker from a nearby kibbutz discovered a crashed military drone similar to the one that exploded on Thursday in a field. However, Tibon noted that attempts to obtain further details about the investigation have been unsuccessful.

This incident has prompted criticism from Israeli politicians, who have regularly called for the displacement of civilians, destruction of militants, and resettlement of Israel in Gaza. Tributes from various political factions in Israel have been paid to the two soldiers who perished.