Israeli Soldiers Killed in Gaza Attack as Vehicle Strikes Explosive Device
Israeli Defense Forces confirm three soldiers killed after Humvee hit by explosion in northern Gaza amid ongoing hostage crisis.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed the deaths of three soldiers during ongoing operations in Gaza, marking another somber moment in the nearly two-year conflict. Staff Sgt. Lior Steinberg and Staff Sgt. Ofek Barhana, both serving as combat medics, and Staff Sgt. Omer Van Gelder, a squad commander, were all members of the Givati Brigade, a unit with a reputation for intense combat duties. According to IDF officials, all three men were in their early 20s and are being remembered for their service and bravery.
The trio lost their lives when the Humvee they were traveling in was struck by an explosive device in Jabalia, located in the northern part of the Gaza Strip. The incident reportedly occurred as the group escorted an IDF fire engine tasked with extinguishing an armored personnel carrier that had caught fire under unclear circumstances. The convoy was departing from Jabalia when multiple explosive devices detonated, resulting in the deaths of Steinberg, Barhana, and Van Gelder. Two other soldiers who were in the vehicle sustained injuries and are currently listed in moderate condition by military medical personnel.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conveyed his condolences through a heartfelt message in Hebrew, stating that he and his wife Sara send their “heartfelt condolences to the families of our heroic fighters.” Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, the IDF’s international spokesperson, also publicly mourned the loss, acknowledging the soldiers’ youth and the sacrifice they made on behalf of their country.
The tragedy comes amid heightened tensions in Gaza, where the conflict continues to escalate and humanitarian concerns persist. The IDF has faced scrutiny over various incidents in the region, including recent allegations related to civilian sites—allegations Israel has denied, asserting its focus remains on targeting militant groups such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad. The latest fatal attack underscores the dangers Israeli forces encounter as they carry out operations in densely populated urban areas fraught with hidden threats, such as improvised explosive devices.
The war in Gaza has now lasted more than 600 days since the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas. In the aftermath, Israel has launched prolonged military operations aimed at dismantling militant infrastructure, yet the human toll continues to rise on both sides. According to official counts, there are still 58 Israeli hostages held in Gaza; of these, 23 are believed to be alive and 35 confirmed deceased, their bodies still unrecovered. Since the beginning of the conflict, 148 living hostages and 48 bodies have been returned to Israel. Most notably, Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage, was brought back to Israel in May—a rare moment of relief in a long and bitter struggle.
As the fighting endures, the Israeli public mourns the loss of its young soldiers while officials emphasize their commitment to ongoing operations. The latest casualties highlight the lethal reality of frontline duty in Gaza and the enduring complexity of the conflict, with no immediate end in sight.
