2 IDF soldiers killed in Rafah attack that jeopardized Hamas ceasefire

Two Israeli Defense Forces soldiers were killed by terrorist activists in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, threatening a ceasefire with Hamas, Israeli military sources confirmed to Fox News Digital on Sunday.

The two soldiers, Major Yaniv Kula, 26, a company commander in the 932nd Battalion of the Nahal Brigade, and Staff Sergeant Itai Yafetz, 21, a combat soldier in the same battalion, were stationed in Modiin Maccabim Reut.

According to the Israeli army’s preliminary investigation, an armed cell emerged from a tunnel and opened fire on a drilling vehicle, killing the two soldiers. He was also a reservist He was seriously injured He was taken to the hospital for each The Times of Israel.

according to Professor Kobe MichaelA senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) and the Misgav Institute said the attack showed the fragility of the ceasefire agreement.

Israel says Hamas violated the ceasefire with ‘multiple attacks’ that led to an Israeli army response

Major Yaniv Kula was killed by Palestinian activists in the Israeli army-controlled city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on October 19. (IDF)

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

“Israel complies [with President Trump’s] “The plan and you want to continue to achieve the plan,” he said.

Michael added, “This agreement has been violated from day one by Hamas.” “And they continued their behavior with regard to the hostages, the dead hostages.”

He continued, “All the manipulation they are doing is unnerving Israeli society,” saying that the terrorist group “makes itself as if it is unable to find bodies when everyone knows it can.”

The State Department warns that Hamas may violate the ceasefire by attacking Palestinian civilians

Staff Sergeant Itai Yavetz was killed by Palestinian terrorist activists in the Israeli army-controlled city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on October 19. (IDF)

Michael explained how the first violation came immediately after the IDF redeployed along the so-called Yellow Line, “when Hamas first sent [civilian] Children in order to provoke the Israeli army, in order to check whether the Israeli army is sufficiently informed and sufficiently prepared.”

He added: “Then they sent Hamas fighters, and some of them were killed along the yellow line.”

He explained: “They continue to reconstitute themselves and attack the IDF using tunnels, and using columns to get out, because they now feel more free, because the IDF has left the populated area.”

Michael also referred to Hamas “slaughtering” civilians “because they suspect them of collaborating with Israel, or because they fear that this group or clans will oppose them in the future… and weaken them.”

Israeli forces “open fire” on suspects who approached soldiers in northern Gaza

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

In response to Sunday attackThe IDF launched air and ground strikes across the southern Gaza Strip.

He added in a statement, “The IDF struck and dismantled six kilometers of underground terrorist infrastructure using more than 120 munitions. The terrorist organization used the underground site to enhance attacks against the State of Israel.”

He added, “The Israeli army will continue to respond firmly and will work to eliminate any threat to the State of Israel.”

At the same time, Israel announced the suspension of all flights Humanitarian aid To the Gaza Strip.

Michael warned that Hamas has no intention of dismantling itself and cooperating with the plan when it comes to disarmament in the Gaza Strip and establishing an alternative governance mechanism.

He added, “Hamas is still using the tunnels, and intends to rebuild the tunnels that Israel destroyed, because it intends to continue the war against Israel.”

The State Department warns that Hamas may violate the ceasefire by attacking Palestinian civilians

Suspected terrorists in Gaza emerge from their hideouts as the implementation of a ceasefire agreement for hostages begins in the Deir al-Balah area of ​​Gaza. (Magdy Fathi/TPS-IL)

He said that the armed organization is rebuilding its ranks and reasserting its control over the Gaza Strip.

“They were recruited immediately [thousands] “From the people and they spread them and slaughter their own people,” Michael said.

He concluded by saying: “They do not intend to give up their position and influence in the Gaza Strip. They do not accept the idea of ​​dismantling themselves. They do not accept the idea of ​​a foreign force or body ruling the Gaza Strip.”

The incident comes just days after a US-brokered ceasefire, which took effect on October 10, temporarily halting the two-year-old war between Israel and Hamas.

Under the agreement, the hostages were released in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners, and a ceasefire was declared.

Later on Sunday, the Israeli army announced the resumption of the ceasefire, after retaliatory attacks.

Israel’s secret campaign targets Hamas terrorists behind the October 7 massacre

Israeli soldiers salute during a memorial ceremony marking the two-year anniversary of the October 7 attack on the Nahal Oz base. (IDF Spokesperson’s Unit)

The statement read: “In accordance with the directives of the political level and after a series of major strikes in response to Hamas violations, the Israeli army began renewing the ceasefire.”

The army added, “The Israeli army will continue to adhere to the ceasefire agreement and will respond firmly to any violation of it.”

“Earlier today, two IDF soldiers, Major Yaniv Kula and Sergeant Itai Yavitz, were killed by Hamas terrorists in Rafah in flagrant violation of the ceasefire agreement,” Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, said in a statement.

Danon added: “We mourn their loss and send our condolences to their families. Israel has adhered to the terms of the ceasefire agreement, but we will make clear to Hamas terrorists that the Israeli army will do whatever it takes to protect Israel’s security.”

Meanwhile, Michael expected a delay in the reopening of the Rafah crossing, an important entry point for aid and movement.

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He said, “I do not think that the Rafah crossing will open tomorrow.” “It will take several days to open,” he added.