### Escalation in Gaza: Three Israeli Soldiers Killed in Deadliest Attack Since March Ceasefire - On June 3, 2025, the Israeli military reported that three soldiers were killed in combat in the northern Gaza Strip, marking the deadliest attack on its forces since the ceasefire with Hamas ended in March 2025. The ceasefire was terminated after Hamas refused to expedite the release of hostages, leading to increased military operations in the region [https://indianexpress.com/article/world/israel-3-soldiers-killed-gaza-deadliest-attack-10045202]. ### Breakdown of the Incident and Context 1. **Details of the Attack**: The soldiers, aged between 20 and 22, were killed by a roadside explosive device during clashes in northern Gaza [https://thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2025/06/03/three-israeli-soldiers-killed-in-northern-gaza-in-armys-biggest-loss-of-life-since-ceasefire-collapse]. 2. **Military Response**: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the deaths and described the incident as one of the most significant losses since the end of the ceasefire [https://caliber.az/en/post/israeli-army-confirms-deaths-of-three-soldiers-in-gaza-combat]. 3. **Historical Context**: Since the outbreak of hostilities following the October 7 Hamas attack, a total of 861 Israeli soldiers have been killed, with 12 soldiers and one Border Police officer dying since the ceasefire ended on March 18 [https://haaretz.com/israel-news/2025-06-03/ty-article/.premium/three-israeli-soldiers-killed-in-northern-gaza-explosion-idf-announces/00000197-3437-dd58-add7-35f74c680000]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Casualty Statistics**: - Total Israeli soldiers killed since October 7: **861** - Soldiers killed since March 18 ceasefire ended: **12** (including the recent three) [https://haaretz.com/israel-news/2025-06-03/ty-article/.premium/three-israeli-soldiers-killed-in-northern-gaza-explosion-idf-announces/00000197-3437-dd58-add7-35f74c680000]. - **Age of Deceased Soldiers**: All three soldiers were young, aged between **20 and 22** [https://www.bluewin.ch/en/news/international/three-israeli-soldiers-killed-in-gaza-strip-2723307.html]. ### Summary of Findings - **Major Conclusion**: The attack on June 3 represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, highlighting the dangers faced by Israeli forces in Gaza. 1. The deaths of three soldiers underscore the volatility of the situation following the end of the ceasefire. 2. The IDF's acknowledgment of the incident reflects the ongoing military challenges in the region. 3. The cumulative loss of life among Israeli soldiers since the conflict's escalation indicates a severe and ongoing crisis. This incident not only marks a tragic loss for the Israeli military but also signals a potential intensification of hostilities in the region, as both sides remain entrenched in their positions [https://devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3445053-israel-says-3-soldiers-killed-in-gaza-in-deadliest-attack-on-its-forces-since-truce-ended-in-march].