Hamas fired anti-tank missiles at IDF troops in Rafah; IDF struck 20 targets as Netanyahu and ministers vow decisive, escalated response.
Ceasefire shattered Sunday as Hamas terrorists brazenly attacked Israeli forces operating in Rafah. According to military reports, terrorists fired an anti-tank missile and opened gunfire toward IDF troops who were carrying out operations to dismantle terrorist infrastructure — a clear and deliberate breach of the ceasefire terms. At the same time Israeli Air Force jets carried out strikes in both northern and southern Gaza to eliminate immediate threats.
The IDF confirmed this was the second major violation in recent days. On Friday, armed terrorists emerged from tunnel shafts in Khan Yunis and Rafah and opened fire on soldiers; several terrorists were engaged and neutralized in self-defense. Today, after militants again exited a tunnel shaft in Rafah and fired on troops, the IDF moved swiftly to suppress the attack and to destroy the tunnel shafts and military structures being used to stage strikes against Israeli forces.
“In accordance with the agreement, these actions represent a blatant violation — and the IDF will respond firmly,” the military said as it reported that 20 targets across Gaza had been struck so far. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu immediately convened a security consultation with the Defense Minister and senior commanders and ordered robust action to protect soldiers and Israeli citizens.
Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that Hamas “will learn today the hard way” that Israel will not tolerate attacks on its forces, instructing the military to take strong measures against terror targets. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir urged the government to restore full combat operations if violations continue, stressing that illusions that Hamas will abide by any agreement are dangerously misplaced.
The chain of events underscores a simple reality: while Israel seeks stability under any agreement that protects its citizens and soldiers, it will ruthlessly reject ceasefire breaches and act decisively to remove the terror threat posed by tunnel networks and militant cells operating from within Gaza.
Key facts (kept intact)
- Location of violation: Rafah (southern Gaza).
- Attack: Anti-tank missile and gunfire directed at IDF troops dismantling terrorist infrastructure.
- Prior incident: Friday — terrorists exited tunnels in Khan Yunis and Rafah and opened fire; some terrorists were eliminated.
- IDF action: Strikes in northern and southern Gaza; 20 targets reported struck so far.
- Political response: Netanyahu convened security leaders; Defense Minister Katz and National Security Minister Ben-Gvir demanded strong measures.
