Gavriel Bloom, Amit Moshe Shahar, Roi Tal, Akiva Yasinsky, Denis Krokhmalov-Wexler, and Ron Efrimi lost their lives on January 8 during an operation in the Bureij refugee camp when a truck carrying explosives intended for tunnel destruction exploded nearby.
The IDF is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding their deaths. Initial findings suggest that the explosion resulted from an operational error rather than gunfire from militants.
"The area was prepared according to the tunnel explosion plan. Most forces had left, leaving engineering forces to complete the operation and ensure security. During this time, the tank crew identified terrorists, maneuvered to avoid endangering forces," reported the IDF press service.
The tank fired at the target, triggering an unplanned explosion about half an hour earlier than scheduled, during the final stages of tunnel destruction preparation.
The explosion claimed the lives of six soldiers and injured eight.
On October 8, three additional soldiers were killed in the Gaza Strip due to anti-tank missile fire and a shootout with terrorists in the Khan Yunis area.
