The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have announced the death of Staff Sergeant Ofri Yafe (21). The soldier from Moshav HaYogev served in the Paratroopers Brigade Recon Unit (Sayeret Matkal) and fell during an operation in the southern Gaza Strip.

According to the army, Yafe was fatally struck by friendly fire during a routine patrol along the “Yellow Line” that separates IDF-controlled eastern Gaza from those areas still under Hamas rule.

Despite the existing ceasefire, violations by terrorist groups in the Gaza Strip continue on a daily basis. The IDF responds to these with targeted operations against specific threats. The army has initiated a formal investigation to clarify the exact circumstances of the incident. The name of the fallen soldier was released after his family had been informed.

With Ofri Yafe, the number of Israeli soldiers killed in the war since October 7, 2023, has risen to 925 according to official IDF figures.

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