Two Americans killed in Gaza fighting for Israel

Two American members of the Israeli army have been killed in Gaza fighting, US media reported late Sunday, citing relatives and friends.

The State Department said two US citizens were killed in Gaza violence and released their names, but did not immediately disclose their occupations.

"We can confirm the deaths of US citizens Max Steinberg and Sean Carmeli in Gaza," spokesperson Jen Psaki said in a two-sentence statement.

"Out of respect for those affected by this, we have nothing further at this time."

Carmeli, 21, of Israeli parents, grew up in Texas, while Steinberg, 24, grew up in southern California, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Both were members of the Israeli army's Golani Brigade, the Times said.

Steinberg, who lived in the city of Beersheba, joined the Israeli army in late 2012 and was a sniper in the brigade, according to the Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles.