Israeli army confirms deaths of three soldiers in Gaza combat

On June 3, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that three of its soldiers had been killed during clashes in the Gaza Strip.

All three served in the Givati Infantry Brigade and died during combat operations in the northern part of the Palestinian enclave, Caliber.Az reports, citing the army press service.

Israel’s public broadcaster reported that the incident occurred on the evening of June 2, when their military vehicle was struck by an explosive device. In addition to the fatalities, two other soldiers sustained moderate injuries and were evacuated to the hospital for treatment.

The IDF named the deceased soldiers as:

• Staff Sergeant Lior Steinberg, 20, from Petah Tikva, was a combat medic in the 9th Battalion of the Givati Brigade.

• Staff Sergeant Ofek Barhana, 20, from Yavne, was also a combat medic in the 9th Battalion.

• Staff Sergeant Omer Van Gelder, 22, from Ma'ale Adumim, was a squad commander in the same battalion.

Note that, on May 25, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) deployed all their active infantry and armoured brigades to Gaza, as Israel steps up its large-scale military offensive in the region.

By Aghakazim Guliyev