IDF: Here's why 4 soldiers died in Khan Yunis last week

The IDF released the results of its investigation into the deliberate collapse of a building on Maglan elite soldiers in Khan Yunis, killing 4 soldiers and wounding several others.

According to the inquiry, as reported by Army Radio:

"Commando Brigade forces have been operating in recent days to complete the encirclement of the Khan Yunis area. Several days before the incident - the forces activated intelligence means to scan buildings in the area ahead of a future operation, and from the analysis it emerged that there are several buildings suspected of being booby-trapped.

"In the situation assessment that was held, it emerged that there was a need to use some of the buildings for the purpose of carrying out the mission. Two of the buildings that were suspected of being booby-trapped - were attacked from the air and destroyed.

"Around the third building, there was a finding suspected to be an explosive device - and it was decided to try to deal with it precisely, since there was an "operational need" to use the building that was defined as vital.

"The forces carried out a series of actions to neutralize booby traps before entering the building - including scanning with a drone, firing at two floors of the building to reduce risks, and throwing a demolition charge at the first floor. The drone footage was analyzed by the commanders, and finally it was decided that there was no suspicious sign of the building being booby-trapped.

"After the first floor was scanned by the force and determined to be clear - the forces began to go up to the second floor. The team commander identified a suspicious finding on the second floor, and he decided to call the Yahalom squad to understand what they were seeing before carrying out additional operations.

"The team commander took everyone back, remained in the stairwell with his communications operator and called the Yahalom fighters - and then the explosive device was activated. The type of explosive device is unknown.

"The IDF investigation determines that "the force operated professionally in a combat area saturated with risks, did its best to neutralize all threats. During the incident, command from the front and ongoing situation assessments were conducted."