Defense Ministry Contractor Killed in Building Collapse in Gaza

Raad Abu Alqiyan, a civilian contract worker for the Defense Ministry and a resident of Hura in the Negev, was killed today (Wednesday) during an engineering operation by security forces in the Jabalia area of northern Gaza. The incident took place around 1:00 p.m., as forces were working to demolish structures in the area.

Abu Alqiyan was operating a backhoe at the site as part of the engineering work being carried out there. During the operation, one of the buildings the forces were working on collapsed and struck him. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The IDF confirmed the incident and said it was an "operational accident." In an official statement, it said: "As part of the activity in the Gaza Strip, an employee of a contracting company carrying out engineering work on behalf of the Defense Ministry was killed as a result of an operational accident. His family has been notified his family has been notified. The IDF and the Defense Ministry share in the family's grief."