An Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) helicopter crash in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday night resulted in the deaths of two soldiers and injured several others, the military announced Wednesday morning.

The IDF stated that an Israeli Air Force “Yanshuf” helicopter, a UH-60 Black Hawk manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft, was on a mission to evacuate an injured soldier to a hospital when it crashed while landing in the Rafah area. This incident marks the first crash of a Black Hawk helicopter for the Israeli military since the aircraft entered service in 1994.

Preliminary investigations suggest the crash was not caused by enemy fire, though the exact cause is still under review. Early reports indicate the helicopter struck the ground during its landing at an IDF encampment rather than touching down smoothly.

The names of the two deceased soldiers have not yet been released. At least seven additional soldiers were injured and have been transported to a hospital in Israel for treatment. Their families have been informed.

Following the crash, four additional helicopters were sent to evacuate the injured to Soroka Hospital. Since the beginning of the conflict, approximately 1,800 injured soldiers have been evacuated from Gaza using Yanshuf helicopters.

The Black Hawk helicopters used by the IDF are primarily employed for transport rather than combat missions. Known for their reliability, the American-made helicopters are utilized globally and have a strong safety record.

Reserve Lt. Col. Meidan told N12 News that the Black Hawk is relatively new, very reliable and sophisticated with many backup and protection systems that is widely used with a low accident rate. He noted that flying in Gaza is particularly challenging due to the urban environment and makeshift landing sites, especially at night.

The IDF has stated that the accident will not affect the Air Force’s operational activities.