The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) has confirmed the deaths of three soldiers during operations in Gaza. The soldiers were identified as Staff Sergeant Lior Steinberg, Staff Sergeant Ofek Barhana, and Staff Sergeant Omar van Gelder, all part of the Givati Brigade, an infantry unit. Steinberg and Barhana served as Combat Medics, while Van Gelder held the position of team commander.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared a sorrowful message expressing condolences. He and his wife, Sarah, conveyed their heartfelt grief for the families of these brave fighters.
IDF International spokesperson Lt. Colonel Nadav Shoshani also expressed sadness on social media, noting that all three soldiers were in their early 20s. Reports indicate that the servicemen were riding in a Humvee in Jabaria, Gaza, when an incident occurred. Two other soldiers in the vehicle sustained injuries and are currently in moderate condition.
According to various reports, the Humvee was part of a convoy that included an IDF fire truck and was targeted while leaving Jabaria. The cause of the fire, which was mentioned in these reports, remains unclear. The IDF stated that its forces were targeting a shelter converted into a Hamas command center.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has persisted for over 600 days, ever since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Currently, 58 hostages are still held in Gaza, while 148 hostages have been returned, including 48 who were previously released. The latest return was Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage, who was returned to Israel on May 12.
