Givati Brigade Battles Hamas in Gaza After Blast Kills Soldiers, as Hostage Clock Ticks

Earlier today, Israel’s Givati Brigade resumed its counterterrorism operations in Gaza’s Jabaliya region, just one day after the tragic loss of three soldiers in a bomb attack. Operating under the 162nd Division in the “Gideon’s Chariots” campaign, the brigade demonstrated resilience, with commanders stating, “We raise our heads and press forward with our missions.” The fallen soldiers, identified as Sgt. Lior Steinberg, 20, from Petah Tikva, Sgt. Ofek Berhana, 20, from Yavne, and Sgt. Omer Van Gelder, 22, from Maale Adumim, all served as combat medics or squad leaders in the Rotem Platoon of the 9th Battalion. Two other soldiers were moderately injured in the same incident and evacuated to hospitals, with their families notified.

Over recent weeks, Givati forces have eliminated numerous Hamas operatives, destroyed weapons caches hidden in residential buildings, and dismantled terrorist infrastructure, including tunnel shafts and underground networks. In a recent operation, brigade troops spotted several militants in Jabaliya and directed an Israeli Air Force strike, swiftly neutralizing the threat. The IDF released footage showcasing the brigade’s relentless engagement with Hamas, underscoring their commitment to protecting Israeli civilians amid heightened tensions following the October 7, 2023, attack that killed 1,195 and left 58 hostages in Gaza, 22 believed alive.

The Givati Brigade’s determination reflects broader Israeli efforts to degrade Hamas’s military capabilities, despite setbacks like the Jabaliya explosion, which highlights the persistent danger of booby-trapped areas. Defense officials recently warned that Hamas’s weakening grip on Gaza could lead to hostages being smuggled by fleeing leaders, adding urgency to operations. The brigade’s actions, supported by precise intelligence and air support, aim to disrupt Hamas’s regrouping efforts in northern Gaza.