Friendly fire, accidents caused 29 out of 170 IDF casualties in Gaza

Since the beginning of the war, 937 soldiers have been wounded, 211 seriously, 347 moderately, and 379 lightly. 

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Since the beginning of Israel’s ground offensive in Gaza, 29  out of the total 170 IDF casualties were caused by so-called “friendly fire” incidents and other accidents, according to an IDF report released Monday.

The totals do not include those wounded accidentally or by friendly fire or the two soldiers who died on December 30th and 31st.

Eighteen soldiers were killed because IDF troops mistook them for the enemy in gun, tank, and airstrike attacks.

Two soldiers died after being shot and were not the intended targets.

Nine soldiers were killed in accidents involving vehicles, demolitions, shrapnel, and weapons or explosives mistakenly going off.

According to the report, between two to six soldiers a week have been killed through friendly fire or accidents.

The IDF has said it has investigated these cases, learned lessons, and is addressing the causes of these unfortunate incidents.

They have said the main causes are lack of communication, not attending to regulations, and fatigue.

The number of IDF soldiers in Gaza number in the tens of thousands and includes infantry, tank, and other troops.

The IDF has commended the coordination between various forces within the IDF and the assistance provided by the IAF with airstrikes as a support for ground troops.

Since the beginning of the war, 937 soldiers have been wounded, 211 seriously, 347 moderately, and 379 lightly.

The IDF has continued its intensive campaign in Gaza and eliminating terror headquarters in Khan Younis.

A senior IDF spokesman announced on Monday that fighting could continue in Gaza throughout 2024.