Shocking IDF Losses: 17% of Gaza Deaths from Accidents, Not Combat
The IDF reports that 17% of its 451 fatalities in Operation Swords of Iron stem from operational accidents like friendly fire and equipment malfunctions, with 1,600 soldiers also wounded. The death of Amit Cohen in a drone explosion highlights the urgent need for improved safety measures amid intense Gaza operations.

Since the launch of Operation Swords of Iron on October 7, 2023, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have faced a troubling rise in operational accidents in Gaza, contributing significantly to their casualty toll. Of the 451 soldiers killed in the operation as of July 22, 2025, approximately 77, about 17%, died in non-combat incidents, according to military data. These accidents, which spiked after combat resumed in March 2025 following a brief ceasefire, include friendly fire, weapons malfunctions, vehicle accidents, fire deviations, and work-related mishaps. Specifically, 31 deaths resulted from friendly fire, 28 from mishandling weapons or ammunition, 7 from military vehicle accidents, 6 from fire deviations, and 5 from work-related incidents or adverse weather conditions. Additionally, around 1,600 soldiers have been wounded, with many injuries tied to these operational errors.
A notable incident under investigation involves 19-year-old Amit Cohen, killed on July 20, 2025, when an offensive drone he was operating with a Golani Brigade officer malfunctioned and exploded inside a shelter near 13 other soldiers. The blast, which seriously injured the officer, is among several accidents prompting IDF scrutiny. Social media posts on X expressed grief, with one user stating, “Amit Cohen’s death is a tragic reminder of the dangers our soldiers face, even from their own equipment.” The IDF’s intensified operations, targeting Hamas’s remaining 20,000 fighters and 50 hostages as of July 2025, have strained resources, with dense urban combat in Gaza City and Rafah contributing to errors. The military is reviewing safety protocols to curb such incidents, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized, “We mourn every loss and are committed to enhancing operational safety.” The ongoing war, which has killed 57,882 in Gaza per local health authorities, underscores the high stakes and complexity of the IDF’s mission.