2 IDF soldiers killed in Rafah attack that jeopardized Hamas ceasefire

Two Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers were killed in Rafah, southern Gaza, after threatening a ceasefire with Hamas, Israeli military sources told Fox News Digital on Sunday.

The soldiers, 26-year-old Major Yaniv Kula, a company commander in the 932nd Battalion of the Nahal Brigade, and Staff Sergeant Itay Yavetz (21), a combat soldier in the same battalion, were both in Modi’in-Maccabim-Reut.

According to the IDF’s initial investigation, it was revealed that a militant cell emerged from the tunnel and opened fire on an excavation vehicle, killing two soldiers. A reservist was also seriously injured and taken to hospital. Israel Times.

Accordingly Professor Kobi MichaelThe attack showed the fragility of the ceasefire agreement, said a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) and the Misgav Institute.

ISRAEL SAYS HAMAS VIOLATED THE CEASE-MADE WITH ‘MULTIPLE ATTACKS’ AND THE IDF INTERVENED

“Today’s breach of agreement was serious,” Michael said. “I assume this won’t be the last time,” he told Fox News Digital.

“Israel complies with this [with President Trump’s] “We are planning and we want to continue with the implementation of the plan,” he said.

“This agreement has been violated by Hamas from day one,” Michael added. “And their behavior regarding hostages and dead hostages continued.”

“All the manipulations they do are getting on the nerves of Israeli society,” he continued, saying that the terror group “acts as if it can’t find the bodies that everyone knows they can find.”

MINISTRY OF STATE WARNING THAT HAMAS MAY VIOLATE THE ceasefire BY ATTACKING PALESTINE CIVILIANS

Staff Sergeant Itay Yavetz was killed by Palestinian terrorist organizations in the IDF-controlled southern Gaza city of Rafah on October 19. (IDF)

Michael described how the first violation occurred immediately after the IDF redeployed to the so-called Yellow Line: “The first time Hamas sent Israel [civilian] “Guys, in order to provoke the IDF to check whether the IDF is sufficiently aware and prepared.”

“Then they sent Hamas militants and some were even killed on the yellow line,” he said.

“They continue to reconfigure themselves and attack the IDF using the tunnels, using the shafts that come out, because now they feel much freer, because the IDF has left the enclave,” he explained.

Michael also touched on Hamas’ “massacre” of civilians: “They suspect they are collaborating with Israel, or they fear that these hamulas or clans may oppose and weaken them in the future.”

ISRAELI SOLDIERS ‘Opened Fire’ on SUSPECTS APPROACHING THE SOLDIERS IN THE NORTH OF GAZA

Terrorists in the town of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza celebrate the ceasefire on January 19, 2025. (TPS-IL)

In response to Sunday’s attack, the IDF launched air and ground strikes into southern Gaza.

“The IDF also hit and destroyed six kilometers of underground terrorist infrastructure using more than 120 rounds of munitions. The underground facility was used by the terrorist organization to further attacks against the State of Israel,” the statement said. The statement was included.

“IDF will continue to respond decisively and work to eliminate any threat to the State of Israel,” the statement said.

Israel simultaneously announced the suspension of all humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.

Michael warned that Hamas has no intention of disintegrating itself and cooperating with the plan when it comes to demilitarizing the Gaza Strip and establishing an alternative governing mechanism.

“Hamas still uses the tunnels and plans to rebuild the tunnels that Israel destroyed because they intend to continue the war against Israel,” he said.

MINISTRY OF STATE WARNING THAT HAMAS MAY VIOLATE THE ceasefire BY ATTACKING PALESTINE CIVILIANS

While the ceasefire agreement for hostages in Gaza’s Deir al-Balah region continues, suspected terrorists in Gaza are coming out of hiding. (Majdi Fathi/TPS-IL)

He said the militant organization had rebuilt its ranks and regained control in the Strip.

“They were hired immediately [thousands] “They deployed people and they are slaughtering their own people,” Michael said.

“They do not intend to give up their position and influence in the Gaza Strip. They do not accept the idea of ​​disintegrating themselves. They do not accept the idea that a foreign power or board will rule the Gaza Strip.”

The incident took place just days after a US-brokered ceasefire that took effect on October 10 temporarily halted the two-year war between Israel and Hamas.

According to the agreement, hostages were released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and a ceasefire was declared.

Later Sunday, the IDF announced the resumption of a ceasefire following retaliatory attacks.

ISRAEL’S SECRET CAMPAIGN TARGETS THE HAMAS TERRORISTS BEHIND THE OCTOBER 7 MASSACRE

IDF soldiers salute at a commemoration ceremony commemorating two years since the attack on the Nahal Oz base on October 7. (IDF Spokesperson Unit)

“Following a series of significant attacks carried out in accordance with the directive of the political echelon and in response to violations by Hamas, the Israeli Armed Forces began to re-enforce the ceasefire,” the statement said. The statement was included.

“IDF will continue to support the ceasefire agreement and respond harshly to any violations,” the military said. he added.

Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon said in a statement: “Earlier today, two IDF soldiers, Major Yaniv Kula and Staff Sergeant Itay Yavetz, were killed by Hamas terrorists in Rafah in a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement.”

“We mourn their losses and extend our condolences to their families. Israel has complied with the terms of the ceasefire agreement, but we will make it clear to Hamas terrorists that the IDF will do whatever is necessary to protect Israel’s security,” Danon added.

Meanwhile, Michael predicted delays in reopening the Prosperity Pass, a critical entry point for aid and movement.

CLICK TO REACH THE FOX NEWS APPLICATION

“I don’t think the Welfare Gate will open tomorrow,” he said. “It will take a few days to open,” he said.