Israeli military sources confirmed Sunday to Digital that two Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers were killed by terror operatives in Rafah, southern Gaza, an event that threatens the ceasefire with Hamas.
Major Yaniv Kula, 26, a company commander in the Nahal Brigade’s 932nd Battalion, and Staff Sergeant Itay Yavetz, 21, a combat soldier in the same unit, both from Modi’in-Maccabim-Reut, were identified as the fallen soldiers.
The preliminary IDF investigation indicated that a militant group emerged from a tunnel, opened fire on an excavation vehicle, resulting in the deaths of the two soldiers. A reserve soldier was also injured and transported to a hospital, according to reports.
A senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) and the Misgav Institute, stated that the assault highlighted the precariousness of the ceasefire agreement.
Michael described “Today’s violation of the agreement” as “severe,” adding to Digital, “I assume that this is not going to be the last one.”
He stated that “Israel complies with the plan and wants to continue with its realization.”
Michael further asserted that “This agreement was violated since the first day by Hamas,” noting that “it continued with their behavior with regard to the hostages, the dead hostages.”
He went on to say that “All the manipulation that they are doing plays on the nerves of Israeli society,” claiming the terror group is “making themselves as if they are not able to find the bodies where everybody knows that they can.”
Michael explained that the initial breach occurred immediately following the IDF’s redeployment along the Yellow Line, “when Hamas first sent children to provoke the IDF, to check if the IDF is aware enough and ready enough.”
He then noted, “And then they sent militants of Hamas, and some of them were even killed along the yellow line.”
He elaborated that “They continue reconstituting themselves and attacking the IDF by using the tunnels, using the shafts going out, because they now feel much freer, because the IDF left the populated area.”
Michael additionally mentioned Hamas’ “butchering” of civilians, which he attributed to suspicions of collaboration with Israel or fears that these hamulas or clans might oppose them in the future and weaken them.
In retaliation for the incident, the IDF initiated air and ground strikes throughout southern Gaza.
In a statement, the IDF reported striking and dismantling six kilometers of underground terrorist infrastructure with over 120 munitions. The military added that “The underground site was used by the terrorist organization to advance attacks against the State of Israel.”
The statement concluded that “The IDF will continue to respond firmly and will operate to eliminate any threat to the State of Israel.”
Concurrently, Israel declared a suspension of all aid shipments to the Gaza Strip.
Michael cautioned that Hamas shows no inclination to disband or to cooperate with the plan for demilitarizing the Gaza Strip and establishing an alternative governance mechanism.
He asserted, “Hamas is still using the tunnels, and intends to reconstruct the tunnels that were destroyed by Israel, because they intend to continue the war against Israel.”
He indicated that the militant group has been restoring its forces and reestablishing its authority in the Strip.
Michael stated, “They immediately recruited thousands of people and deployed them and are butchering their own people.”
He concluded by saying, “They do not intend to give up on their position and influence in the Gaza Strip. They do not accept the idea of dismantling themselves. And they do not accept the idea that a foreign force or board will govern the Gaza Strip.”
This incident occurred merely days after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, effective October 10, had temporarily paused the two-year conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The agreement facilitated the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and included a declaration of a ceasefire.
Sunday later saw the IDF declare the ceasefire would resume, following its retaliatory strikes.
A statement from the IDF read: “In accordance with the directive of the political echelon and following a series of significant strikes in response to Hamas’ violations, the IDF has begun the renewed enforcement of the ceasefire.”
The military also added: “The IDF will continue to uphold the ceasefire agreement and will respond firmly to any violation of it.”
In a separate statement, Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon stated: “Earlier today, two IDF soldiers, Maj. Yaniv Kula and Staff Sgt. Itay Yavetz, were killed by Hamas terrorists in Rafah in what was a flagrant violation of the ceasefire agreement.”
Danon further added: “We mourn their loss and send our condolences to their families. Israel has abided by the terms of the ceasefire agreement, but we will make it clear to Hamas terrorists that the IDF will do whatever it takes to protect Israel’s security.”
Michael, in the meantime, foresaw delays in the reopening of the Rafah Crossing, which is a vital entry point for aid and movement.
He commented, “I don’t think Rafah Crossing will open tomorrow,” predicting that “It will take several days until it is opened.”