“We have lost two young heroes, some of our finest, who gave their lives for the security of our state and the return of all our hostages,” Defence Minister Israel Katz announced on social media.

The two soldiers, aged 20 and 22, served in the Golani Infantry Brigade’s 51st Battalion.

Israeli military sources said they were killed when their armoured vehicle exploded in the city of Khan Yunis.

Military correspondents from several Israeli media outlets said the blast was caused by an improvised explosive device detonated by a militant who emerged from a tunnel.An investigation was underway.

The Israeli military says 462 soldiers have been killed since the start of its ground offensive in Gaza on October 27, 2023.