JERUSALEM (VINnews) — The Hamas terrorist group violated the cease fire on Sunday morning, launching anti-tank weapons at IDF forces operating in Rafah.Heavy exchanges of fire have continued throughout the morning. At the same time, there are reports of IAF airstrikes in both northern and southern Gaza.
The IDF confirmed that terrorists fired an anti-tank missile and gunfire toward IDF troops operating to dismantle terrorist infrastructure in the Rafah area, in southern Gaza, in accordance with the ceasefire agreement.
In response, the IDF stated that it had begun striking in the area to eliminate the threat and dismantle tunnel shafts and military structures used for terrorist activity.
“These terrorist actions constitute a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement, and the IDF will respond firmly,” the military stated.
Following the violation, Prime Minister Netanyahu held a consultation with the Defense Minister and the heads of the security establishment and directed that strong action be taken against terrorist targets in the Gaza Strip.
Defense Minister Israel Katz stated: “Hamas will learn today the hard way that the IDF is determined to protect its soldiers and to prevent any harm to them. We have instructed the IDF to act with strength against Hamas terror targets in Gaza. Hamas will pay a heavy price for any shootings and any violation of the ceasefire, and if the message is not understood, the intensity of the responses will increase.”
The IDF reported that, so far, 20 targets in the Gaza Strip were struck.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir commented on the incident: “I call on the Prime Minister to order the IDF to fully renew combat operations in the Gaza Strip with full force. The false illusions that Hamas will change its ways, or even abide by the agreement it signed, are predictably dangerous to our security. This Nazi terrorist organization must be destroyed completely – the sooner the better.”
This was the second major ceasefire violation by Hamas. On Friday, armed terrorists attempted to attack IDF troops in Khan Yunis and Rafah. The terrorists exited a tunnel and opened fire on the soldiers. Some of the terrorists were eliminated.
Regarding Friday’s violation, the IDF stated: “Several terrorists were identified exiting a tunnel shaft in the Khan Yunis area and approaching IDF troops operating in the area, causing an imminent threat to them. The terrorists were struck, in accordance with the agreement.”
“Additionally, earlier today, several terrorists were identified exiting a tunnel shaft in the Rafah area and opened fire toward IDF troops in the area; no injuries to IDF troops were reported.”
