IDF Spokesperson March 22nd 2010

IDF Soldier Killed Near Gaza Strip By Friendly Fire
An IDF soldier was killed earlier this evening in a shooting incident near
the Central Gaza Strip.

The soldier was apparently killed as a result of friendly fire, during an
incident that was perceived by the soldiers as that of a terrorist nature.

A tank team that was on an operational activity identified three suspects
crossing the security fence from the Gaza Strip to the Israeli side. An
additional IDF patrol called to the scene following the infiltration was not
updated that the tank team began a pursuit on foot. The force mistakingly
identified the tank team as the Palestinian suspects, and began firing at
the team.

One of the soldiers was killed during the fire exchange. The rest of the
team was not harmed. The three infiltrators were arrested and taken for a
security questioning. The infiltrators were not armed. OC Southern Command,
Maj. Gen. Yoav Galant, has appointed a Colonel to investigate the
circumstances of the event.

The family of the soldier was notified of the event.