Five Israeli soldiers were killed in a tragic friendly fire incident during renewed battles against Hamas militants in northern Gaza on May 16, 2024. The soldiers, aged between 20 and 36 and from diverse backgrounds including Argentina, Tiberias, Modiin, and West Bank settlements were gathered when their position was mistaken for an enemy one by Israeli tank fire in Jabalia.
The deceased have been identified as Sgt. Ilan Cohen from Argentina, Daniel Chemu from Tiberias who had volunteered for bone marrow donation before joining the army, Capt. Roy Beit Yaakov, the commander of a force hit in Jabaliya and son of Avidan Beit Yaakov, the mayor of a West Bank settlement, Staff Sgt. Betzalel David Shashuah from Tel Aviv and Staff Sgt. Gilad Arye Boim from Karnei Shomron.
An initial investigation found that two tanks fired at a building where the soldiers had gathered, mistaking it for an enemy position. The incident came as Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant publicly challenged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about his post-war plans for Gaza and urged him to rule out Israeli military rule in the Palestinian enclave.
The deaths of these young men have affected diverse communities, from Argentina's Jewish community to Haredi communities in Tiberias and West Bank settlements. Their funerals were held on Thursday afternoon, with the exception of Sgt. Ilan Cohen whose parents are expected to arrive in Israel from Argentina for his funeral.
The Israeli Defense Forces expressed their condolences and announced that an investigation into the incident is ongoing.
