The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the deaths of three soldiers operating in Gaza. 

Staff Sgt. Lior Steinberg, Staff Sgt. Ofek Barhana and Staff Sgt. Omer Van Gelder were members of Israel’s Givati Brigade, an infantry unit, when they were killed. Steinberg and Barhana were serving as combat medics, while Van Gelder was a squad commander, according to the IDF.

The IDF confirms the deaths of, from left to right, Staff Sgt. Omer Van Gelder, Staff Sgt. Lior Steinberg and Staff Sgt. Ofek Barhana in Gaza. (IDF Spokesperson’s Unit)

According to the outlet, the Humvee was escorting an IDF fire engine that was in Gaza to extinguish an armored personnel carrier that had caught fire. The Times of Israel reported that the cause of the fire remains unknown. The convoy was hit by several explosive devices while on its way out of Jabalia, according to the Times of Israel.

Israeli soldiers fire a mortar towards Gaza from their position near the border, as seen from Israel, June 2, 2025. (REUTERS/Amir Cohen)

The war in Gaza has raged for more than 600 days since Hamas carried out its massacre on Oct. 7, 2023. There are still 58 hostages being held in Gaza — 23 of whom are believed to be alive, while 35 are confirmed dead and their bodies remain in Hamas’ hands. So far, 148 living hostages and 48 bodies of hostages have returned to Israel. Most recently, on May 12, Edan Alexander, the last living American held by Hamas, was returned to Israel.