Friendly Fire Kills Israeli Soldier in Gaza
The Fatal friendly fire highlights internal strain, misidentification, and mounting casualties within Israeli forces operating in Gaza
Iran | PUREWILAYAH.COM — Amid a continued breakdown in operational discipline and rising internal tensions within the Israeli army, a 21-year-old Israeli soldier was killed by friendly fire during an operation in the southern Gaza Strip, according to regional media reports.
The soldier was killed in Khan Younis after being struck by gunfire from Israeli forces. The Israeli army later confirmed the death, identifying the soldier as First Sergeant Afri Yafi, 21, a member of a reconnaissance unit attached to the Paratroopers Brigade, but provided no further details.
Israeli state broadcasting outlets claimed the soldier was killed by mistake as a result of Israeli gunfire, adding that an internal investigation has been launched into the circumstances of the incident.
Details Emerge of Misidentification During Night Operation
The Palestinian news agency Maan, citing Israeli media, reported additional details about the incident, which occurred during a nighttime operation east of Khan Younis.
According to the Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth, the soldier was killed due to an identification error and was hit by light weapons fire from Israeli forces conducting engineering operations to demolish buildings in the area.
The incident took place near the buffer zone along the Gaza border, where Paratroopers Brigade units had been deployed roughly a week earlier.
Family Anger and Rising Internal Tensions
According to Yedioth Ahronoth, the soldier’s parents expressed anger toward the Israeli cabinet, accusing it of placing their children in irrational and unnecessary situations.
In a statement, the family said they were in a state of severe shock, stressing that the incident once again exposed the scale of friendly-fire casualties within Israeli army ranks during ongoing operations in Gaza.
Israeli observers have noted that despite the announcement of a ceasefire and discussions about new political pathways, the continued presence of Israeli occupation forces inside Gaza has intensified psychological pressure and internal tension among Israeli soldiers.
Ceasefire Confusion and Political Uncertainty
These developments come as discussions continue around political plans linked to a proposed Gaza “peace” initiative by U.S. President Donald Trump, which has reportedly caused further confusion within some Israeli combat units regarding their future missions and objectives.
According to official Israeli army figures, since the start of the genocidal war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, a total of 925 Israeli soldiers have been killed, including 471 during ground operations in Gaza. The number of wounded Israeli soldiers has reached 6,420, with 3,004 injured in ground fighting inside the enclave.
The Israeli regime launched its war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, with the stated goals of destroying Hamas and recovering Israeli captives, but failed to achieve these objectives and was ultimately forced into a prisoner exchange agreement with the movement.
Hamas announced on October 17, 2025, that an agreement had been reached to end the war in Gaza and conduct a prisoner exchange. The Israeli army officially confirmed the implementation of a ceasefire on October 18, 2025, yet has continued to obstruct its execution.
Gaza Devastation Under Israeli Aggression
Israel’s U.S.-backed aggression against Gaza, beyond the mass killing of Palestinians, has left widespread destruction, with around 90 percent of Gaza’s infrastructure destroyed. The United Nations has estimated the cost of reconstruction at approximately $70 billion. (PW)