Rafah, Gaza Strip – Two Israeli soldiers were killed and several others wounded following the crash of an Israeli Air Force (IAF) UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter in the southern Gaza Strip late last night. The incident occurred as the helicopter was attempting to land at an IDF encampment in Rafah, according to a preliminary investigation by the military.
The IAF helicopter from the 123rd Squadron was on a mission to evacuate a seriously injured combat engineer during ongoing clashes in the area. The helicopter had flown from its base with a Unit 669 medical team on board, tasked with transporting the injured soldier to safety.
The crash took place around 12:30 a.m. local time during the final stages of landing. According to the IAF’s initial findings, the helicopter impacted the ground rather than making a controlled landing. The military has confirmed that the helicopter was not struck by enemy fire, suggesting that the crash was caused by an accident rather than hostile action.
Despite the low altitude at the time of the crash, the impact was severe enough to cause significant damage to the helicopter and injuries to all those aboard. In total, two soldiers lost their lives, while another eight were transported to nearby hospitals. Four of the wounded are in serious condition, including the combat engineer who was initially injured in a separate incident.
The names of the deceased soldiers have not yet been released to the public, although their families have been notified. The IAF has announced that a comprehensive investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash. Initial reports suggest that the helicopter was moments away from a successful landing when it veered off course.
The accident has added to the complexities of the ongoing situation in the Gaza Strip, where military operations and humanitarian missions are frequently intertwined. The IAF’s Unit 669 is renowned for its precision in medical evacuations, and this incident underscores the inherent risks faced by personnel operating in volatile environments.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has promised a thorough investigation to uncover any mechanical or procedural failures that may have contributed to the crash. Until the investigation is complete, details surrounding the exact cause of the helicopter’s failure to land correctly remain unclear.
As the IDF continues its operations in the region, this tragic event highlights the dangers faced by those involved in emergency medical evacuations and other high-risk military operations. The families of the fallen soldiers, along with the broader IDF community, are grieving the loss of their comrades as they await further information from the ongoing probe.
This incident comes at a time of heightened tension and conflict in the Gaza Strip, with ongoing clashes between Israeli forces and militant groups in the area. The IDF’s focus remains on addressing the immediate challenges on the ground while ensuring the safety and well-being of its personnel.
The IAF’s investigation is expected to provide more insights into the circumstances leading up to the crash, and further updates will be made available as the inquiry progresses.