Israeli soldier killed in Gaza Strip by friendly fire

An Israeli soldier was killed in the southern Gaza Strip on Wednesday, the army announced, in what is believed to be the result of “friendly fire,” according to a military source.

The army stated in a release that a soldier “aged 21, serving in the airborne reconnaissance unit (…) died during combat in the southern Gaza Strip.”

According to a military source cited by Agence France-Presse, the soldier “was likely killed by friendly fire,” without providing further details.

The source added that “the circumstances of his death are under investigation.”

With this death, the number of Israeli soldiers killed since the ceasefire went into effect on October 10 rises to five.