The IDF on Tuesday announced that Master Sergeant (Res.) Nadav Elchanan Knoller, 30, from Jerusalem, and Major (Res.) Eyal Avnion, 25, from Hod HaSharon, were killed in an explosion in central Gaza. Another soldier sustained serious injuries. The IDF is currently investigating the cause of the blast.
Since the start of the war, 674 soldiers have died in action, with 320 of those fatalities occurring since the ground offensive in Gaza began.
Knoller, who is survived by his wife and son, was eulogized by his Yeshiva and mourned by his West Bank settlement of Karnei Shomron.
The soldiers were injured in an explosion in the Netzarim Corridor late Monday, where the military previously reported destroying a kilometer-long underground Hamas tunnel.
Palestinian media reported continued heavy fire north of the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, where residents had been advised to evacuate to safe zones. Israeli border communities were also warned to expect the sounds of heavy fighting due to the IDF's operation.