The IDF this morning (Tuesday) published the names of three soldiers from the Rotem Battalion of the Givati Brigade, who were killed during the Shavuot holiday. The three were fatally wounded by an explosive device in Jabalia, in the northern Gaza Strip, while escorting a fire truck that had entered the area to retrieve a Namer armored personnel carrier that had been disabled by a technical malfunction.
The fallen soldiers are:
Staff Sergeant Lior Steinberg, 20, from Petah Tikva, was a combat medic.
Staff Sergeant Ofek Barhana, 20, from Yavne, was a combat medic. His funeral will be held today at 16:00 in the military section of the Yavne Cemetery.
Staff Sergeant Omer Van Gelder, 22, from Ma’ale Adumim, was a squad commander. His funeral will take place today at 16:00 on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem.
Two Wounded
The deadly incident occurred yesterday afternoon in Jabalia, when a force from the Givati Brigade’s 9th Battalion was escorting a fire truck that had entered the Gaza Strip to extinguish a fire that had broken out in a Namer APC. On their return to Israel, one of the vehicles in the convoy struck an explosive device. The blast killed the three soldiers. Two others were wounded and evacuated by helicopter to the hospital.
A preliminary IDF investigation suggests that the terrorists may have tracked the forces’ entry route in the morning and rigged the path with explosives later in the day, anticipating a convoy would return along the same road. The rescue mission was accompanied by further combat during which additional soldiers were wounded. The IDF is currently investigating the incident.
“The Heart of the Nation Aches”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his condolences to the families of the three fallen soldiers.
“On behalf of all citizens of Israel, my wife and I send our heartfelt condolences to the families of our heroic fighters Staff Sergeant Lior Steinberg, Staff Sergeant Ofek Barhana, and Staff Sergeant Omer Van Gelder, who fell in Gaza during the campaign to defeat Hamas and free our hostages. Our hearts ache with the families in this most terrible moment. We will forever honor the heroism of Lior, Ofek, and Omer. May their memory be a blessing and preserved in the heart of the nation.”
“We Embrace the Family”
The Municipality of Ma’ale Adumim released the following statement:
“With deep sorrow we received the news that one of our city’s sons, Givati Brigade soldier Omer Van Gelder z”l, fell in battle in the Gaza Strip. Omer, one of Ma’ale Adumim’s finest, studied at AMIT Eitan School, loved his country, gave of himself to others, volunteered from a young age, and gave his life for the people and the land. On behalf of all Ma’ale Adumim residents, we embrace the family and will accompany them in every step and need.”
The Municipality of Yavne stated:
“With deep sorrow and great pain, we received the news of the death of Staff Sergeant Ofek Barhana z”l, 20, from Yavne, a combat medic in the Givati Brigade, who fell in battle in the northern Gaza Strip. A graduate of the city’s school system and a former basketball player for Elitzur Yavne, he grew up and was educated in our city and was a beloved son and friend. He dedicated his life to saving others—even under fire. Ofek is survived by his parents, Mamo and Leah, and his siblings—Oshri, Dana, Liam, and Elin. We offer the family our heartfelt embrace. Our hearts are with you in this difficult hour. No words can truly console. May his memory be a blessing.”
