Three Israeli soldiers killed in deadliest incident since Gaza’s ceasefire collapse

Three Israeli soldiers were killed and two wounded when their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device in the Jabaliya area of the northern Gaza Strip, the Israel Defence Forces said on Tuesday, marking the deadliest incident for Israeli forces since combat operations resumed after a ceasefire collapsed in March.

The fallen soldiers were identified as Staff Sergeant Lior Steinberg, 20, a combat medic from Petah Tikva; Staff Sergeant Ofek Barhana, 20, also a combat medic from Yavne; and Staff Sergeant Omer Van Gelder, 22, a squad commander from Ma’ale Adumim. The three served in the Givati Brigade, an infantry brigade.

According to an initial military investigation, the five soldiers were travelling in a Humvee, escorting an army fire engine that had entered Gaza to extinguish an armoured personnel carrier that caught fire due to technical problems. As their convoy departed Jabaliya, an explosive device planted alongside the road directly struck their vehicle, killing three soldiers and moderately wounding two others.

The evacuation proved challenging as troops realised they were in a heavily booby-trapped area. Israeli forces later discovered approximately 20 additional roadside bombs rigged for detonation along the same route, though it remains unclear why these devices failed to explode. The military conducted numerous airstrikes in the area to facilitate the evacuation of wounded personnel.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his condolences. “In the name of all Israeli citizens, my wife and I send condolences from the depths of our hearts to the families of our fighters. Our hearts go out to the families in this most terrible moment. We will forever cherish the heroism of our fighters, Lior, Ofek, and Omer,” Netanyahu said.

Barhana’s former high school in Yavne remembered him as “an accomplished student, sociable, and a born leader.” His teacher Maya Mizrahi noted that after graduation, Barhana “chose to do his bit for the country as a combat medic in Givati — a role he chose wholeheartedly out of a sense of responsibility, courage, and a desire to help others.” She added that “Ofek left behind many aching hearts — students, friends, teachers, and family — who will not forget his spirit, smile, and love of life.”

Steinberg’s mother Orly posted on Facebook: “Love of my heart, I can’t believe you aren’t with us. Love you, I’ll love you forever.”

These deaths occurred during expanded military operations in northern Gaza, where IDF Chief Eyal Zamir had recently ordered intensified ground operations and declared five locations as “dangerous combat zones.” The military issued evacuation warnings to residents of Jabalia and surrounding neighbourhoods.

The incident brings Israel’s military death toll since the ground offensive began to 423, including police officers and civilian contractors. Since October 7, 2023, a total of 861 soldiers have fallen in combat across all fronts.

At least 1,180 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in Hamas’s attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. Of the 58 remaining hostages, 35 are believed to be dead.