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Yaffe was critically wounded in the exchange and later succumbed to his injuries while being evacuated for medical treatment.
By United with Israel Staff
The IDF on Tuesday cleared for publication the name of Sgt. Ofri Yaffe, 21, from Moshav HaYogev, a fighter in the Paratroopers Reconnaissance Unit, who was killed during combat operations overnight in Khan Younis in southern Gaza.
According to preliminary findings, the incident occurred in the Yellow Line area during routine clearing operations conducted by forces from the Paratroopers Brigade.
Two IDF units operating in close proximity mistakenly identified one another as hostile forces and opened fire.
Yaffe was critically wounded in the exchange and later succumbed to his injuries while being evacuated for medical treatment.
The military has opened a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement of condolence following the announcement, saying, “My wife Sara and I send our heartfelt condolences and share in the deep sorrow of the family of Sgt. Ofri Yaffe, of blessed memory, a fighter in the Paratroopers Reconnaissance Unit who fell from friendly fire in the painful incident in the Gaza Strip.”
“The entire people of Israel bow their heads over the fall of Ofri, who went out to fight with bravery in order to safeguard Israel’s security,” Netanyahu added. “May his memory be blessed and preserved forever.”
Moshav HaYogev also mourned the loss of one of its sons, describing a community shaken by grief.
“With deep sorrow and a broken heart, Moshav HaYogev bows its head following the fall of our son, Ofri Yaffe, of blessed memory,” the statement read. “The entire community is shocked and grieving this heavy loss.”
Yaffe’s family said they were struggling to process the tragedy. “We are shocked and cannot yet comprehend the loss of our beloved son, Ofri,” they said.
Sgt. Yaffe was taking part in ongoing IDF operations aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure in Gaza and protecting Israeli civilians from continuing threats. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.
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