Israeli military sources told Fox News Digital on Sunday that two Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers died at the hands of terror operatives in Rafah, located in southern Gaza, raising concerns about the stability of the ceasefire with Hamas.
Major Yaniv Kula, 26, a company commander belonging to the 932nd Battalion of the Nahal Brigade, and Staff Sergeant Itay Yavetz, 21, a combat soldier also in the same battalion, both hailed from Modi’in-Maccabim-Reut.
According to the IDF’s preliminary investigation, a militant squad emerged from a tunnel and launched an attack on an excavation vehicle, resulting in the deaths of the two soldiers. As reported by The Times of Israel, one reserve soldier sustained serious injuries and was taken to a hospital.
Professor Kobi Michael, a senior researcher at both the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) and the Misgav Institute, suggested that the attack underscored the precariousness of the ceasefire agreement.
ISRAEL SAYS HAMAS VIOLATED CEASEFIRE WITH ‘MULTIPLE ATTACKS’ LEADING TO IDF RESPONSE
“The violation of the agreement today was a serious one,” Michael stated. He also told Fox News Digital, “I expect this won’t be the last.”
He added, “Israel is adhering to [President Trump’s] plan and is committed to moving forward with its execution.”
“Hamas violated this agreement from the very beginning,” Michael noted. “And their behavior towards the hostages, including the deceased ones, has continued this trend.”
He further stated, “All their manipulations are preying on the sensitivities of Israeli society,” accusing the terror group of “acting as if they cannot… locate the bodies, even though everyone knows they can.”
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Michael explained that the initial violation occurred right after the IDF redeployed along the Yellow Line, noting that “Hamas initially deployed [civilian] children to provoke the IDF, testing their awareness and readiness.”
He continued, “Subsequently, they deployed Hamas militants, some of whom were killed along the Yellow Line.”
He elaborated, “They are persisting in rebuilding their forces and attacking the IDF through tunnels and shafts, as they now feel more at liberty due to the IDF’s withdrawal from the populated areas.”
Michael also referenced Hamas’ “butchering” of civilians “on suspicion of collaboration with Israel, or out of concern that these hamulas or clans might oppose and weaken them in the future.”
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In response to the attack on Sunday, the IDF initiated air and ground offensives throughout southern Gaza.
According to a statement, “The IDF also targeted and destroyed six kilometers of underground terrorist infrastructure, employing over 120 munitions. This underground facility was used by the terrorist organization to carry out attacks against the State of Israel.”
The statement also noted, “The IDF will maintain a strong response and will act to neutralize any threat to the State of Israel.”
Concurrently, Israel announced a halt to all humanitarian aid destined for the Gaza Strip.
Michael cautioned that Hamas has no intention of disbanding or cooperating with the plan concerning the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip and the establishment of an alternative governance mechanism.
He stated, “Hamas continues to utilize the tunnels and intends to rebuild those that Israel destroyed, with the aim of continuing their war against Israel.”
STATE DEPARTMENT WARNS HAMAS MAY VIOLATE CEASEFIRE WITH ATTACK ON PALESTINIAN CIVILIANS
He stated that the militant group has been replenishing its forces and re-establishing its authority in the Strip.
“They swiftly recruited [thousands] of individuals, deployed them, and are brutalizing their own population,” Michael remarked.
“They have no intention of relinquishing their position and influence in the Gaza Strip. They reject the concept of self-disbandment and the notion of a foreign force or board governing the Gaza Strip,” he concluded.
This event occurred shortly after a U.S.-negotiated ceasefire, which commenced on October 10, temporarily suspending the two-year conflict between Israel and Hamas.
As part of the agreement, hostages were freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, and a ceasefire was declared.
Later on Sunday, following retaliatory actions, the IDF declared the reinstatement of the ceasefire.
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A statement read, “Following directives from the political leadership and after a series of significant strikes in response to Hamas’ violations, the IDF has recommenced the enforcement of the ceasefire.”
The military added, “The IDF will continue to uphold the ceasefire agreement and will respond decisively to any breaches thereof.”
In a statement, Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon said, “Earlier today, two IDF soldiers, Maj. Yaniv Kula and Staff Sgt. Itay Yavetz, were killed by Hamas terrorists in Rafah in what was a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement.”
Danon added, “We express our grief over their loss and extend our condolences to their families. Israel has adhered to the terms of the ceasefire agreement, but we will make it unequivocally clear to Hamas terrorists that the IDF will take all necessary measures to safeguard Israel’s security.”
Meanwhile, Michael anticipated delays in the reopening of the Rafah Crossing, a vital point for aid delivery and transit.
“I don’t foresee the Rafah Crossing opening tomorrow,” he stated. “It will be several days before it reopens,” he predicted.
