In a tragic incident early Wednesday morning, an Israeli Black Hawk helicopter crashed during a medical evacuation mission in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, killing two Israeli soldiers and injuring eight others. The UH-60 Black Hawk, from the Israeli Air Force’s 123rd Squadron, was attempting to land at an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) encampment to evacuate a seriously injured combat engineer when it crashed.
The two soldiers killed in the crash were identified as Sgt. Maj. Daniel Alloush, 37, from Tel Aviv, and Sgt. Maj. Tom Ish-Shalom, 38, from Nes Harim. Both were members of the reserve forces and part of the medical rescue team, Unit 669, that had been deployed for the evacuation mission. The helicopter was conducting a rescue operation for a wounded combat engineer involved in the ongoing conflict between Israeli forces and Hamas.
10 tentara Israel TEWAS setelah helikopter UH-60 Black Hawk milik Angkatan Udara Israel (IAF) jatuh di Jalur Gaza selatan tadi malam. pic.twitter.com/T6hutY3Jf1
— SW News – SOFT WAR NEWS (@SoftWarNews) September 11, 2024
According to military officials, the crash was not caused by enemy fire, and initial reports suggest the helicopter impacted the ground incorrectly during its final descent. The crash occurred at around 12:30 a.m. within the confines of the Israeli encampment, allowing for an immediate response that likely saved more lives. However, some of the injured soldiers, including the helicopter’s pilots and mechanics, remain in critical condition.
This incident marks the first downing of a Black Hawk helicopter in the Gaza conflict, which has now entered its eleventh month. The helicopter had been deployed as part of Israel’s intensive military operations in Gaza, where fighting has escalated. The IDF has been conducting continuous airstrikes and ground operations against Hamas, resulting in significant casualties on both sides.
⚡🇮🇱🇵🇸 The helicopter has been identified as a UH-60 Black Hawk, likely belonging to a medical evacuation unit.
Israeli media has described the incident as a 'disaster' for the Air Force.#Syria #Iran #Ukrain #Israel #Russia #Kurska #Kursk #Hezbollah #lebanon #Gaza pic.twitter.com/wWDjPm7sph
— OsintWorld 🍁 (@OsiOsint1) September 11, 2024
The crash has drawn comparisons to the infamous "Black Hawk Down" incident in Somalia in 1993, though the circumstances differ significantly. While that incident occurred in a hostile urban environment, the Rafah crash happened within a military base, minimizing the potential for further casualties. Still, the crash adds to the mounting toll of the war, which has seen numerous Israeli soldiers killed or injured in action.
Israeli authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash. While the Black Hawk is a reliable workhorse of the Israeli Air Force, mechanical issues or operational errors are being considered. The incident is a somber reminder of the risks that even highly trained rescue teams face in war zones.
The loss of the two soldiers has sent shockwaves through Israel, where the IDF plays a critical role in defending the nation. Support for the families of the fallen soldiers has poured in from across the country, with military and civilian organizations rallying to provide assistance. The incident also highlights the ongoing dangers faced by military personnel, especially during complex and hazardous missions like medical evacuations.
As the conflict in Gaza drags on, the helicopter crash serves as yet another grim chapter in a war that shows no signs of abating. With both sides continuing to exchange fire, the human cost continues to climb, deepening the tragedy of a conflict that has claimed thousands of lives.
