Four Israeli soldiers were wounded in the attack. One Golani fighter is in critical condition.
By United with Israel Staff
Hamas violated the ceasefire yet again on Wednesday, launching an attack on IDF troops in eastern Rafah. Terrorists emerged from an underground tunnel and opened fire on Israeli soldiers carrying out defensive operations in the area.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a firm warning after the assault, making clear that Israel will not allow Hamas to harm its soldiers without facing consequences.
According to the IDF, the incident began when troops spotted a suspicious figure entering a nearby building. As Israeli forces continued their checks, a Namer armored personnel carrier arrived to reinforce the area. Moments later, three Hamas terrorists burst out of a tunnel and attacked the soldiers.
IDF troops immediately returned fire, striking at least one of the attackers. The terrorists responded with an RPG fired directly at the APC, wounding several soldiers. One of the gunmen escaped back into the tunnel as the IDF launched a search for those involved.
Four Israeli soldiers were wounded in the attack. One Golani fighter is in critical condition, and two other Golani soldiers along with a Gaza Division NCO sustained moderate injuries. All were evacuated to a hospital.
Netanyahu condemned Hamas’ continued aggression, expressing solidarity with the wounded: “I send my wishes for a swift recovery to our heroic fighters,” he said. He stressed that Hamas “continues to violate the ceasefire agreement and carry out terror attacks against our forces,” and vowed that “Israel will not tolerate harm to IDF soldiers and will respond accordingly.”
A few hours later, Israel acted. The Israeli Air Force struck targets in the Khan Younis and Gaza City areas, hitting a Hamas terrorist involved in ongoing hostile activities. The IDF affirmed that its forces remain fully deployed and will continue to remove any immediate threat.
Palestinian sources claimed that six Palestinians were killed in the Israeli response.
Hamas continues to break the ceasefire, endanger Israeli soldiers, attempt attacks, and still holds the remains of officer Ran Gvili, the final hostage in Gaza. Israel remains committed to defending its people, protecting its soldiers, and ensuring that terror does not dictate the future of the region.
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