The IDF reported the deaths of three soldiers from the Givati Brigade’s 9th Battalion during combat operations in northern Gaza on Tuesday. Staff Sergeant Lior Steinberg, 20, from Petah Tikva, Staff Sergeant Ofek Barhana, 20, from Yavne, and Staff Sergeant Omer Van Gelder, 22, from Ma’ale Adumim, lost their lives after their vehicle hit an explosive device.
Steinberg and Barhana served as combat medics, while Van Gelder was a squad commander.
According to military sources, the incident began when troops from the Rotem Battalion, operating in Jabaliya under the 9th Armored Battalion, encountered a mine while riding in a Namer armored personnel carrier. Although the vehicle caught fire, the soldiers on board managed to escape without injury.
In response, a team consisting of a Hummer and a military fire truck was dispatched to extinguish the blaze and recover the disabled APC. While en route, the Hummer hit another explosive device, killing all three soldiers inside and injuring two others.
Upon realizing the area was heavily mined, IDF engineering units began clearing what was later identified as a vast minefield containing numerous explosive devices.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed deep sorrow over the soldiers’ deaths, stating: “On behalf of all Israeli citizens, my wife and I send heartfelt condolences to the families of the heroic soldiers Staff Sergeant Lior Steinberg, Staff Sergeant Ofek Barhana, and Staff Sergeant Omer Van Gelder, who fell in Gaza in the campaign to defeat Hamas and free our hostages. Our hearts ache for the families in their darkest moments. We will forever appreciate the heroism of our soldiers, Lior, Ofek, and Omer. May their memories be blessed and forever in the heart of the nation.”
Since the outbreak of the war on October 7, 2023, 861 IDF soldiers have died in the line of duty.
{Matzav.com}