2 Israeli soldiers killed in army helicopter crash in Gaza

Two Israeli soldiers were killed when a military helicopter crashed in the Rafah area, southern Gaza Strip, during an overnight mission, Israel's army said on Wednesday.

The Black Hawk helicopter from the Israeli Air Force was evacuating an injured soldier to a hospital for medical treatment when it crashed. Seven other soldiers were injured and were subsequently evacuated for medical care, according to the army's statement.

"An initial inquiry indicates that the crash was not due to enemy action," said the statement. The cause of the incident is under further investigation by a committee appointed by Air Force Commander Tomer Bar.

It added that the Air Force's operational activities remain unaffected.