The activity comes amid ongoing Hezbollah violations of the ceasefire, including repeated rocket and drone launches toward IDF positions and northern Israeli communities.

The IDF will continue to act to remove any threat and prevent Hezbollah from reestablishing capabilities that endanger Israel.

Israeli forces quickly coordinated airstrikes as the terrorists tried to escape.

The incident began around 6:30 a.m. on Friday, when IDF intelligence units detected the 17 terrorists emerging from the tunnel shaft.

IDF kills five terrorists who emerged from a tunnel in eastern Rafah, neutralizing an immediate threat to troops in southern Gaza.

'We will continue to act to remove any immediate threat,' the IDF said in an official statement.

'Those who attack our soldiers or violate agreements will pay the full price.'