Israel National News: Yaakov 'Kobi' Avitan, a backhoe operator who worked as a contractor for the Ministry of Defense, was killed in an operation accident the Gaza Strip. He was 39 years old at the time of his death.

Initial details indicate that Avitan was working in the Gaza Strip in civilian clothing and was accidentally shot, apparently by Israeli forces. The incident is being investigated.

Avitan volunteered extensively with the Yedidim and ZAKA organizations, and his acquaintances describe him as a man who was "loved by people and God-fearing." He was born and raised in Ofakim and moved to live with his wife and three children in Eilat.