The death toll for Israeli Defense Forces rose to 286 after the IDF on May 22 announced the deaths of three soldiers killed by Hamas militants in the northern Gaza Strip, reported from The United Press International.

The soldiers were killed during operations Wednesday morning and are Master Sgt. Gideon Chay DeRowe, 33, of Tel Aviv; Capt. Israel Yudkin, 22. of Kfar Habad; and Sgt. 1st Class Eliyahu Haim Emsallem, 21, of Raanana, the IDF announced.

A sniper attack in Beit Hanoun killed Emsallem and Yudkin, while an explosive device caused DeRowe's death. A Defense Ministry civilian contractor also was killed.

The soldiers were in Beit Hanoun to locate tunnel shafts, explosive devices and snipers in an area located between civilian houses and a security area near the border fence that separates the northern Gaza Strip from Israel.

Many soldiers also were wounded and were airlifted by helicopter to the Rabin Medical Center in Petah Tikva.

The IDF issued a statement expressing its sorrow and shared grief with the fallen soldiers' families.

The Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health announced 62 deaths and 138 wounded in fighting during the past 24 hours.





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