Hamas Breaks Ceasefire in Rafah Leaving Five IDF Soldiers Wounded; Netanyahu Warns Hamas of Israeli Response

Five IDF soldiers were wounded late Wednesday night in a heavy exchange of fire in eastern Rafah, in what the IDF described as a serious violation of the ceasefire agreement with Hamas. One soldier from the Golani Reconnaissance Unit was critically wounded, three were moderately injured and another lightly, following an ambush launched from a nearby tunnel shaft.

The clash immediately renewed pressure on the fragile ceasefire, which has already been tested by repeated violations. Israeli officials said the incident underscores the need for continuous security operations in Rafah while keeping forces within the boundaries of the agreement.

According to the initial IDF investigation, Golani soldiers operating in the area identified a suspicious figure covered by a blanket running into a structure. The troops scanned the building remotely but found no trace of the individual. A Namer armored personnel carrier was then brought in to reinforce the search and secure the perimeter.

Shortly after the APC arrived, two terrorists emerged from a concealed underground tunnel shaft. Soldiers in the Namer spotted the gunmen and opened fire, killing one and wounding the second. Despite his injuries, the wounded terrorist managed to fire an RPG directly at the armored vehicle before escaping back into the tunnel, causing the injuries to the five soldiers. A third terrorist, the figure initially seen with the blanket, managed to escape. IDF forces continued sweeping the area through Thursday morning.

Families of all the wounded soldiers were notified following their evacuation to hospitals in Israel. In its statement, the military stressed the forces were operating in accordance with the agreed deployment and would continue to act against any immediate threat. “IDF forces under Southern Command are deployed in the area in accordance with the agreement and will continue operating to remove any immediate threat,” the statement said.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack and issued a sharp warning to Hamas. “Hamas continues to violate the ceasefire agreement and carry out terrorist acts against our forces. Our policy is clear: Israel will not tolerate attacks on IDF soldiers and will respond accordingly,” he said.

In response, the Air Force carried out a strike in the al-Mawasi area of Khan Younis targeting a Hamas operative. According to Arab reports, six people were killed, while Israeli officials confirmed only that the strike successfully eliminated the targeted terrorist. 

The incident also surfaced in Washington. Asked in the Oval Office when “phase two” of the Gaza plan would begin, U.S. President Donald Trump referenced the Rafah attack, saying, “They had a problem today with a bomb that went off — hurt some people pretty badly, probably killed some people.” Trump added, “We have peace in the Middle East. People don’t realize it,” while insisting, “Phase two is moving along. It’s going to happen pretty soon.” He further noted, “We have tremendous support. Fifty-nine countries.”

In Israel, Defense Minister Israel Katz visited the wounded soldiers this morning at Soroka Medical Center, where he met the injured Golani fighters and the Gaza Division NCO. Katz spoke with the families and praised the soldiers for their actions. “IDF soldiers are working to defend the State of Israel, and we are committed to standing behind them at all times,” he said. He added that Israel would continue operating forcefully against Hamas violations and its remaining terrorist infrastructure “until the last hostage is returned and the organization’s capabilities are fully degraded.” Before leaving, Katz wished the wounded a swift recovery, telling them, “All of Israel is proud of you.”

IDF forces continued conducting searches in the eastern Rafah area on Thursday, maintaining their deployment within the ceasefire framework. The IDF said operations in the area would continue as required under the agreed terms.