Three Israeli soldiers were killed and two others wounded on Monday after their vehicle struck a powerful roadside bomb in the Jabaliya area of northern Gaza, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed on Tuesday morning.
The fallen soldiers have been named as 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. All three served in the Rotem Battalion of the Givati Brigade.
According to the IDF, the incident began when a Givati unit operating alongside the IDF’s 9th Armoured Battalion triggered an explosive device while travelling in a Namer armoured personnel carrier. The vehicle caught fire, but the soldiers inside were able to evacuate without injury.
A support team, including a military Hummer and an IDF fire truck, was dispatched to extinguish the blaze and recover the stricken vehicle. On the return journey, the Hummer—providing cover for the mission, struck another explosive device. The resulting blast killed three soldiers and left two others moderately wounded.
Following the attack, IDF engineers and bomb disposal units uncovered what they described as a “large and sophisticated” trap, consisting of dozens of explosive devices planted in the area. The military said the layout indicated an intent to cause mass casualties.
Givati Brigade troops continue to operate in Jabaliya, targeting terrorist infrastructure both above and below ground, eliminating hostile operatives, and expanding their operational reach.
Tributes Paid to Fallen Soldiers
Staff Sgt. Ofek Barhana
A graduate of the Ginsburg Education Campus in Yavne, Barhana was remembered as a bright, sociable and dedicated individual. Teacher Maya Mizrahi described him as “a natural-born leader” who studied biology and diplomacy, and played on the school’s basketball team.
Yavne Mayor Roei Gabay added: “Ofek was a beloved son and friend who dedicated his life to saving others, even under fire.” He is survived by his parents, Mamo and Leah, and siblings Oshri, Dana, Liam and Alin. His funeral was held at 4pm on Tuesday at Yavne’s military cemetery.
Staff Sgt. Omer Van Gelder
Van Gelder will be laid to rest at the Mount Herzl Military Cemetery in Jerusalem. His mother, Tehila, wrote on Facebook: “My firstborn son. An immense heartbreak.” He was also related to Sgt First Class (Res.) Omer Moshe Gealdor, a Golani Brigade fighter killed in Lebanon last November.
Ma’ale Adumim’s municipality said Van Gelder was “one of the city’s finest sons” who loved his country deeply. “He devoted himself from a young age to helping others and ultimately gave his life for the nation,” officials said.
Staff Sgt. Lior Steinberg
Steinberg is to be buried at 6pm Tuesday at the Segula Military Cemetery. His sister posted on Instagram: “My pure angel. I wish this were just a dream. I love you.” His mother, Orly, shared the lyrics of Idan Raichel’s song Come Back, writing: “Love of my life, I can’t believe you’re not with us. I will love you forever.”
Petah Tikva Mayor Rami Greenberg paid tribute, saying: “Lior was one of our city’s finest, a brave soldier and a beloved person. He went to protect us all, and did not return. The entire city bows its head and honours his memory.”
IDF Maintains Deliberate Ground Strategy
Senior defence sources have stated that the IDF is intentionally advancing at a measured pace in its ground offensive in Gaza. This strategic approach, led by Southern Command, is designed to allow time and flexibility for renewed indirect negotiations with Hamas, particularly regarding a potential hostage deal.
Airstrikes have been stepped up to increase pressure on Hamas and encourage civilian evacuation from combat zones. On Tuesday, the IDF dropped new evacuation leaflets over western Khan Younis, warning residents to leave immediately.
Despite ongoing operations, large parts of central Khan Younis, including several Hamas strongholds, have yet to be entered by Israeli ground forces. The offensive is currently being led by five divisional commands, each coordinating multiple brigade-level combat formations made up primarily of regular army units.
It was also confirmed last week that 19-year-old David Libi, from the settlement of Malachei HaShalom, was killed when an explosive device detonated near the engineering vehicle he was operating. Employed by a civilian firm contracted by the IDF, Libi will not be formally recognised as a fallen soldier.
