Tragedy: Two IDF Officers Killed in Rafah Tunnel Ambush as Israel Halts Aid and Launches Massive Airstrikes

The fragile ceasefire in Gaza was violently broken today, resulting in the tragic deaths of two Israeli soldiers and prompting a massive retaliatory air campaign and the immediate suspension of humanitarian aid deliveries to the Strip. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the fatalities, naming Staff Sergeant Itay Ya'avetz, 21, and Major Yaniv Kula, 26, both from Modi'in Maccabim Re'ut, who served in the Nahal Brigade's 932nd Battalion. Major Kula was a company commander.

The incident occurred this morning in the Rafah area of southern Gaza. Preliminary investigations reveal that the Nahal Brigade force was engaged in an operational clearance of an underground tunnel network, a necessary action due to a strong suspicion that Hamas terrorists were hiding within the subterranean pathways.

The Ambush and Casualties

Near the humanitarian aid corridor, within the bounds of the so-called "Yellow Line" operational zone, Hamas terrorists emerged from a tunnel shaft and immediately opened fire on the Israeli troops. The IDF force returned fire, successfully eliminating two of the assailants.

Tragically, four Israeli soldiers were hit by gunfire, including a sniper attack. Staff Sergeant Ya'avetz and Major Kula were killed, and one combat reservist from the Combat Engineering forces was severely injured. The wounded soldier was evacuated to a hospital for immediate medical treatment, and his family has been notified.

A short time after the initial ambush, a separate sniper attack was recorded against a different Israeli force in the Jannina area.

In an official statement, the city of Modi'in Maccabim Re'ut expressed its profound grief. Mayor Haim Bibas conveyed condolences, stating that Yaniv and Itay, graduates of the city's education system, "were educated on the values of love for mankind and the state. Each in his own way, with heroism, humility, and dedication."

Israel’s Response: Air Strikes and Aid Suspension

The severe violation of the ceasefire by Hamas prompted an immediate and extensive response from Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz were informed of the developments during a government meeting, leading to an immediate security assessment with top military officials.

Following the deadly incident in Rafah, the political leadership adopted the IDF’s recommendation and ordered an immediate halt to the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip until further notice.

Concurrently, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) launched a massive wave of retaliatory strikes across the entire Strip since the morning hours, hitting dozens of Hamas targets.

In one significant attack, IAF fighter jets used over 120 munitions to strike a vast, multi-kilometer-long underground tunnel network. This passage was reportedly used by the terror organization to hold captives in the past.

The extensive strikes included:

The IDF had anticipated a potential breach of the ceasefire, having recorded several security incidents along the "Yellow Line" in the days prior, with suspects approaching military positions. Just two days ago, Israeli forces identified and fired upon terrorists emerging from tunnels in both the Rafah and Khan Younis areas, eliminating the threat posed to the troops.

The fatalities mark a tragic escalation in the region, coming shortly after the death of Master Sergeant (Res.) Shmuel Gad Rahamim, 31, who succumbed to severe wounds sustained in battle in Southern Gaza in October 2025.