The IDF announced on Tuesday that two reserve soldiers were killed and 11 others injured in an incident in the central Gaza Strip. The fallen soldiers were identified as Major Eyal Avnion, (Res.) 25, from Hod HaSharon, and Master Sergeant Nadav Elchanan Knoller, (Res.) 30, from Jerusalem.
The incident occurred last night (Monday) when a vehicle carrying soldiers on a planned operation hit an explosive device near Netzarim. Initial reports suggest the soldiers were not directly harmed by the explosive.
The IDF is investigating the possibility that a malfunction in a nearby tank, which returned fire, may have caused the casualties. The tank malfunction being investigated includes a "barrel explosion" - a rather rare malfunction that can be caused by an unclean or blocked barrel.
Of the 11 injured soldiers, one is in serious condition, three are moderately wounded, and the rest sustained light injuries. The IDF declared a mass casualty event and deployed rescue forces from Unit 669 and the division.
With these latest casualties, the total number of IDF soldiers killed since the beginning of the war has risen to 674.
The IDF is continuing its investigation into the exact circumstances of the incident.
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