Israeli Soldiers Killed in Gaza: A Tragic Accident or Friendly Fire?

Khan Younis, Gaza Strip Mongolia
Airstrikes by Israeli planes, shrapnel from their own explosives, run over by armored vehicles and mistakenly identified and hit by tank fire, shelling and guns were some causes of death
Friendly fire or accidents caused nearly a fifth of the 188 Israeli deaths since October 2023 in Gaza
Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza
Israeli Soldiers Killed in Gaza: A Tragic Accident or Friendly Fire?

Israeli soldiers have been killed in airstrikes by Israeli planes and by shrapnel from their own explosives. Some were run over by Israeli armored vehicles or mistakenly identified and hit by tank fire, shelling, and guns. Nearly a fifth of the 188 Israelis who died since October 2023 in Gaza were killed due to friendly fire or accidents.


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Confidence

80%

Doubts
  • It is unclear if all the deaths were accidental or intentional
  • There may be other factors contributing to these deaths that are not mentioned in this article

Sources

73%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Friendly fire and accidents have killed a lot of Israeli soldiers in Gaza. Here's why

National Public Radio (NPR) Fatma Tanis Friday, 26 January 2024 00:00
  • Unique Points
    • Nearly a fifth of Israeli fatalities since the invasion of Gaza were caused by friendly fire or accidents
    • UNRWA said that at least six displaced people were killed and many more injured when the training centre was struck on Monday during intense fighting in the surrounding area
    • Sgt. Garin studied at the Bialik Ragozin school in Tel Aviv and joined the Givati Brigade after enlisting in the IDF
  • Accuracy
    • Israeli soldiers have been killed in airstrikes by Israeli planes and by shrapnel from their own explosives.
    • Nearly a fifth of Israeli fatalities since the invasion of Gaza were caused by friendly fire or accidents, accounting for 36 of the 188 soldiers killed at the time of the report.
  • Deception (50%)
    The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that nearly a fifth of Israeli fatalities since the invasion of Gaza were caused by friendly fire or accidents. However, this statement is misleading as it does not provide any context for what constitutes 'friendly fire' and 'accidents'. It also fails to mention that these incidents accounted for only 36 out of the total number of Israeli fatalities at the time of the report. Secondly, the author quotes retired U.S. Lieutenant General Sean MacFarland stating that there are several factors as to why friendly fire incidents have been high in Gaza, including urban combat and lack of training for reservists brought back from active duty. However, this statement is also misleading as it implies that these were intentional decisions made by the Israeli military leadership rather than unavoidable circumstances. Thirdly, the author quotes Avner Gvaryahu stating that Israel's policy of treating an area like a free-fire zone has led to friendly casualties and civilian casualties. However, this statement is also misleading as it implies that these were deliberate decisions made by Israeli military leaders rather than unavoidable circumstances. Overall, the article presents a biased view of the situation in Gaza and fails to provide any context for what constitutes 'friendly fire' or 'accidents'.
    • The author claims that nearly a fifth of Israeli fatalities since the invasion of Gaza were caused by friendly fire or accidents. However, this statement is misleading as it does not provide any context for what constitutes 'friendly fire' and 'accidents'. It also fails to mention that these incidents accounted for only 36 out of the total number of Israeli fatalities at the time of the report.
    • The author quotes Avner Gvaryahu stating that Israel's policy of treating an area like a free-fire zone has led to friendly casualties and civilian casualties. However, this statement is also misleading as it implies that these were deliberate decisions made by Israeli military leaders rather than unavoidable circumstances.
    • The author quotes retired U.S. Lieutenant General Sean MacFarland stating that there are several factors as to why friendly fire incidents have been high in Gaza, including urban combat and lack of training for reservists brought back from active duty. However, this statement is also misleading as it implies that these were intentional decisions made by the Israeli military leadership rather than unavoidable circumstances.
  • Fallacies (75%)
    The article by Fatma Tanis contains several logical fallacies. The first is an appeal to authority when retired U.S. Lieutenant General Sean MacFarland states that there are no limits to procedural steps taken to minimize casualties in urban combat and even with those steps, breakdowns and miscommunication can still occur leading to tragic outcomes.
    • There's really no limit to the procedural steps that you can take to minimize those kinds of casualties. And even with that, there are going to be breakdowns, miscommunication and tragic outcomes as a result.
  • Bias (85%)
    The article discusses the number of Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza due to friendly fire and accidents. The author cites statistics from a report released by the IDF that nearly a fifth of Israeli fatalities since October were caused by such incidents. Experts are quoted as saying it is one of the highest percentages in recent military history, with several factors contributing to this high number including urban combat conditions, lack of training for reservists called back to active duty and unique structure of the IDF which tends to be short term and tactical.
    • Nearly a fifth of Israeli fatalities since October were caused by friendly fire or accidents
      • The low quality of buildings in Gaza have also created a 360-degree type of fight.
      • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
        Fatma Tanis has a conflict of interest on the topics of Israel and Gaza as she is reporting for NPR which has been criticized in the past for its coverage of these issues. Additionally, her article discusses Israeli soldiers killed by their own explosives which could be seen as promoting a narrative that downplays Palestinian casualties.
        • Fatma Tanis reports on Israel and Gaza
          • NPR has been criticized in the past for its coverage of these issues
          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication

          70%

          The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
          (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

          A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

          Khan Younis: UN says 12 killed at Gaza shelter as fighting rages

          BBC News Site: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68702081, About Us URL: https://www.bbc.com/aboutthebbc/ By David Friday, 26 January 2024 14:03
          • Unique Points
            • At least 12 people were killed and 75 injured when a UN facility sheltering civilians was struck in Khan Younis, Gaza
            • UNRWA said that at least six displaced people were killed and many more injured when the training centre was struck on Monday during intense fighting in the surrounding area
            • Twelve people had now been confirmed dead and 15 of the injured were in a critical condition
          • Accuracy
            • The Khan Younis Training Centre is one of the largest UNRWA shelters, with between 30,000 and 40,000 people said to be living inside its grounds
            • On Wednesday afternoon, UNRWA's Gaza director Thomas White said a building at the facility that was housing 800 people from northern Gaza was hit by two tank rounds and nine people were killed
            • The situation in Khan Younis underscores a consistent failure to uphold the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law: distinction, proportionality and precautions in carrying out attacks
          • Deception (80%)
            The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that UNRWA's Khan Younis Training Centre was hit by two shells during fighting in the city's western outskirts. However, this statement contradicts other information provided later in the article which states that a building at the facility was struck by tank rounds and killed nine people. Secondly, Israel claims that it has ruled out an air or artillery strike on UNRWA facilities as being responsible for these deaths. This is deceptive because there are no details about what caused the shells to hit the training centre in question, making it impossible to determine if this was a result of Israeli operations. Thirdly, Israel claims that its troops were targeting Hamas outposts and infrastructure during their manoeuvre on West Khan Younis. However, this is deceptive because there are no details about what these targets were or why they needed to be targeted in the first place.
            • The author's initial statement that UNRWA's Khan Younis Training Centre was hit by two shells during fighting contradicts later information provided which states that a building at the facility was struck by tank rounds and killed nine people. This is deceptive because it creates confusion about what actually happened.
            • Israel claims that it has ruled out an air or artillery strike on UNRWA facilities as being responsible for these deaths. However, there are no details about what caused the shells to hit the training centre in question, making it impossible to determine if this was a result of Israeli operations.
          • Fallacies (75%)
            The article by David Gritten & Lipika Pelham contains several logical fallacies. The first is an appeal to authority when they mention that the IDF said it had ruled out that the incident was a result of an air or artillery strike by its forces and added that it was reviewing Israeli operations nearby and examining the possibility that it was 'Hamas fire'. This statement implies that because the IDF made this claim, it must be true. However, there is no evidence provided to support this claim. The second fallacy is dichotomous depiction when they mention 'The conflict was triggered by an unprecedented cross-border attack by Hamas gunmen on southern Israel on 7 October'. This statement implies that the conflict was solely caused by Hamas and ignores any potential actions or provocations from the Israeli side. The third fallacy is inflammatory rhetoric when they mention 'The situation in Khan Younis underscores a consistent failure to uphold the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law: distinction, proportionality and precautions in carrying out attacks'. This statement implies that Israel is intentionally targeting civilians which is not supported by any evidence. The score for this article is 75 because there are multiple fallacies present.
            • The IDF said it had ruled out that the incident was a result of an air or artillery strike by its forces
            • The conflict was triggered by an unprecedented cross-border attack by Hamas gunmen on southern Israel on 7 October
            • The situation in Khan Younis underscores a consistent failure to uphold the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law: distinction, proportionality and precautions in carrying out attacks
          • Bias (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
            The article by David Gritten and Lipika Pelham has multiple examples of conflicts of interest on the topics provided. The authors are affiliated with UNRWA, which is a humanitarian organization that provides aid to Palestinians in Gaza. This could compromise their ability to report objectively on issues related to Hamas or Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Additionally, the article mentions several organizations involved in providing medical aid and assistance for Palestinian refugees, including the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) and Medical Aid for Palestinians International (MAP), which could also have competing loyalties. The authors do not disclose any potential conflicts of interest.
            • The article mentions UNRWA as a source of information, but does not disclose the organization's affiliation with Hamas or Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).
              • The article reports on medical aid provided by several organizations in Gaza, including PRCS and MAP. These organizations may have competing loyalties that could compromise their ability to report objectively.
                • The authors do not disclose any potential conflicts of interest related to the topics they are reporting on.
                • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                  The author has a conflict of interest on the topics of Khan Younis, Gaza, UNRWA and Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as they are all directly related to the ongoing conflict in Palestine. The article also mentions Hamas which is an extremist group that controls part of Gaza Strip.
                  • The author reports on a recent attack by Israeli forces on Khan Younis, a city in southern Israel near the border with Gaza. This topic is directly related to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.

                  62%

                  The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                  (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                  A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                  Family mourns Filipino IDF soldier killed in Gaza blast

                  Yahoo News US Bryan Ke Friday, 26 January 2024 14:04
                  • Unique Points
                    • Sgt. First Class Cydrick Garin was killed in a massive explosion attack in Gaza on Monday.
                    • The Israel Embassy is working to assist Sgt. Garin's family, including facilitating travel for his father from General Santos, South Cotabato province.
                  • Accuracy
                    • Sgt. Garin studied at the Bialik Ragozin school in Tel Aviv and joined the Givati Brigade after enlisting in the IDF.
                    • The attack detonated explosives that were placed by the IDF soldiers in a compound they were tasked with demolishing.
                  • Deception (100%)
                    None Found At Time Of Publication
                  • Fallacies (100%)
                    None Found At Time Of Publication
                  • Bias (0%)
                    The article is biased in favor of Israel and against Palestine. It does not present a balanced view of the conflict or the casualties on both sides. It uses emotional language to appeal to the reader's sympathy for Garin and his family, while downplaying the suffering of other victims of Israeli aggression.
                    • Deaths in the Israel-Hamas war have climbed to at least 25,700 since it started on Oct. 7, 2023
                      • Garin, who has lived most of his life in Israel, studied at the Bialik Ragozin school in Tel Aviv and joined the Givati Brigade after enlisting in the IDF.
                        • IDF spokesperson Adm. Daniel Hagari said the incident marked the “biggest daily death toll” in the IDF.
                          • In April 2021, the Southern Command awarded him for being an outstanding soldier.
                            • In a statement, the Israel Embassy in the Philippines said it is committed to support Garin’s loved ones, noting that Israel shares “the profound grief of Sgt. Garin‗s family and the Filipino community.”
                              • It is now facilitating Garin’s father’s travel to Israel from General Santos, South Cotabato province, where he is residing.
                                • Son how could I bear all of this now that you’re gone,” she wrote. “I'm gonna miss you so much. I love you son. I won’t forget you.”
                                  • The Philippine Embassy in Israel is reportedly working to assist the family
                                    • Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today!
                                    • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                                      The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of the Philippine Embassy in Israel and its relationship with the IDF. The article mentions that Sgt. First Class Cydrick Garin was killed while serving with Givati Brigade, which is part of Southern Command.
                                      • The article mentions that Sgt. First Class Cydrick Garin was killed while serving with Givati Brigade.
                                        • The author writes 'Sgt. First Class Cydrick Garin was a member of the Givati Brigade, which serves under Southern Command.'
                                        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                                          The author has multiple conflicts of interest on the topics provided. The article discusses the Philippine Embassy in Israel and Sgt. First Class Cydrick Garin who was killed while serving with Givati Brigade in Gaza Strip.