IDF probe finds soldier killed yesterday in Gaza was hit by friendly fire

By Emanuel Fabian

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20 May 2025, 2:00 pm Edit

Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent

Sgt. Yosef Yehuda Chirak (IDF)

An initial IDF investigation has found that Sgt. Yosef Yehuda Chirak, 22, who was killed in the northern Gaza Strip yesterday, was hit by so-called friendly fire.

According to the probe, combat engineers operating in northern Gaza under the 401st Armored Brigade located a tunnel shaft and were working to map it out ahead of its demolition. During the operation, another company was securing the surrounding area.

Chirak, who was next to the tunnel, was hit by fire from the company securing the area, the investigation finds.

The military has presented his family with the initial findings.