Cleared for publication: These are the soldiers who died in last night's tragic helicopter crash 

The IDF has released the names of two soldiers killed in a helicopter crash near Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. The accident occurred late Monday night during a rescue operation.

Master Sergeant (res.) Daniel Alloush, 37, from Tel Aviv-Yafo, and Master Sergeant (res.) Tom Ish-Shalom, 38, from Nes Harim, both fighters in the Tactical Unit for Special Rescue (Unit 669), lost their lives in the incident.

Details of the Incident

According to the IDF, a Yanshuf (Blackhawk) helicopter was on a mission to evacuate a wounded soldier from the Givati Brigade. The aircraft crashed moments before landing around midnight.

Initial investigations suggest that the crash was not due to enemy fire. Authorities are examining whether it was caused by pilot error or a technical malfunction.

Casualties and Response

In addition to the two fatalities, several others were injured. Four individuals, including crew members and rescuers, were severely injured, while four others sustained light to moderate injuries. All injured personnel have been evacuated to Soroka Hospital for treatment.

Following the incident, an investigation team has been established, and the Air Force commander has suspended all training flights for the Yanshuf squadron.

The IDF spokesperson emphasized that the rescue mission was part of routine operations in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Background

This incident comes amid continued tensions in the Gaza Strip. Unit 669, to which the fallen soldiers belonged, is renowned for its specialized rescue and evacuation operations in challenging combat situations.

The helicopter was attempting to rescue a soldier from the 710th Engineering Battalion of the Combat Engineering Corps who had been severely injured in battle in the southern Gaza Strip.

This tragic event underscores the risks faced by IDF personnel, even during rescue operations.

*This is a developing story. More updates will be provided as information becomes available.*