"IDF Confirms Likely Killing of Female Resident by Helicopter Fire During Abduction"

The IDF investigation concluded that Efrat Katz, a resident of Nir Oz, was likely killed by an Israeli Air Force combat helicopter airstrike on October 7 during Hamas's assault on the kibbutz. The investigation found that the IDF's surveillance systems were unable to detect that Katz and other hostages were in the vehicle with the Hamas terrorists. The commanding officer of the Israeli Air Force described the incident as tragic and unfortunate, stating that the aircraft crew operated in compliance with orders in a complex reality of war. The IDF promised to continue examining the events of October 7.