Three IDF soldiers killed in deadly explosion in Gaza

In a tragic incident on June 2, 2025, three soldiers from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) lost their lives in the northern Gaza Strip when their armored vehicle was struck by a roadside bomb. The event occurred during an operation in Jabaliya, a city known for its complicated security environment. The soldiers, identified as Staff Sgt. Lior Steinberg, Staff Sgt. Ofek Barhana, and Staff Sgt. Omer Van Gelder, were part of the Givati Brigade's Rotem Battalion. All three were in their early twenties and were engaged in a mission that involved providing security for an army firetruck responding to a fire threatening an armored personnel carrier. The attack is recognized as one of the deadliest strikes on Israeli forces since a ceasefire with Hamas ended in March 2025, leading to increased tensions and hostilities in the region. Following the explosion, two additional soldiers were reported injured and hospitalized. The incident raised alarms regarding the ongoing risks faced by Israeli troops in the area, especially given the presence of multiple explosive devices planted along the route of the operation. In the aftermath, mayors from the soldiers' hometowns expressed their condolences and honored their sacrifices. This incident tragically underscores the ongoing conflict's toll on both military personnel and civilians in the region, drawing attention to the complexities and dangers inherent in military operations within contested territories.