Hamas Breaks the Ceasefire
Hamas Attacks IDF Soldiers in Rafah, IDF pounds Rafah in response
Intense Israeli Air Force Activity reported over Gaza after Hamas targets IDF equipment and soldiers. Unconfirmed reports indicate that Hamas tried to kidnap an IDF soldier during the shooting.
A preliminary report from southern Gaza indicates that an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) vehicle, believed to be a bulldozer, was hit by an explosion in the Rafah area earlier today.
Initial assessments suggest the blast may have been caused either by an improvised explosive device (IED) or by an RPG fired at the vehicle. IDF forces have been dispatched to the scene to secure the area and assess the situation.
Unconfirmed reports indicate that Hamas snipers attacked soldiers who came to the scene.
New reports indicate that there were at least two separate incidents:
Soldiers were injured during the attack, but the censor prohibits publishing more details.
As a result, IAF planes are attacking terror targets in Rafah now.
Hamas have also reportedly fired mortars towards Kerem Shalom.
Jewish Breaking News reported that "a similar event occurred on Friday when several armed operatives emerged from a tunnel in Rafah and opened fire on Israeli troops. No injuries were reported in that encounter."
Noam Amir reported:
In recent days, there have been two incidents of terrorists emerging from tunnels in areas that the IDF "operationally controls."
First, I recommend that the IDF stop using the word “controls” as long as the army cannot actually secure the areas it claims to control.
Second, what else needs to happen for it to sink in that Hamas does not truly respect the agreement?
More casualties?
More hostages?
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and top security officials are currently holding a telephonic situation briefing to evaluate the nature of the violations and determine Israel’s response.
Israeli officials have emphasized that the response to the latest Gaza incident must be forceful, reflecting commitments made by both political and military leadership. According to sources, the government and IDF will act forcefully to to “reset the rules” in Gaza, sending a clear message to Hamas and other groups about the consequences of violating the ceasefire.
Besides for the IDF attacking Rafah now, further precise actions have not been decided, but the rhetoric underscores a willingness to escalate military operations if deemed necessary to reestablish deterrence and security along the Gaza border and to protect IDF soldiers stationed in Gaza.
Meanwhile, according to journalist Itai Blumental, Israeli forces carried out an airstrike in northern Gaza’s Jabalya region, killing two Palestinian suspects who reportedly crossed the northern line.
The operation coincided with ongoing events in Rafah, where Israeli troops were engaged in a separate security incident. Details on the Rafah situation are still emerging.