# Friendly fire and accidents have killed a lot of Israeli soldiers in Gaza. Here’s why
An Israeli report states that a significant number of Israeli soldiers have died in Gaza due to friendly fire and accidents. Of the 188 soldiers killed, 36 were casualties of friendly fire or accidents, accounting for nearly a fifth of the total fatalities since the invasion of Gaza in late October. Additional injuries were also reported, making this conflict one of Israel’s most challenging wars due to the dense urban environment of Gaza.
Military experts attribute the high number of incidents to the complexities of urban combat in densely populated areas like Gaza. The structure of buildings in Gaza, along with the confined space and the presence of tunnel networks utilized by Hamas militants, have created a challenging and highly kinetic environment for Israeli soldiers.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have faced issues with a lack of efficient evacuation strategies due to the civilian population being unable to leave Gaza, the low quality of buildings, and the use of modern weapons which increase the risk of friendly casualties. Additionally, the IDF’s structure, consisting mostly of young soldiers in their late teens to mid-20s, and the lack of a comprehensive strategic plan have contributed to the challenges faced in Gaza.
US officials have urged Israeli leaders to adopt a more restrained and methodical approach in Gaza, advising against Israel’s short-term and tactical military culture. As the conflict continues, there is an expectation for a shift in policy that may lead to more thoughtful military operations with an aim to mitigate harm to civilians and minimize friendly fire incidents.
