The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced late Sunday that it has begun re-enforcing the Gaza ceasefire after launching precision strikes against Hamas targets in southern Gaza. The strikes came in direct response to repeated ceasefire violations, including an anti-tank missile attack and gunfire that killed two Israeli soldiers and seriously wounded another near Rafah. Israel’s government confirmed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorized the counterattack following consultations with Defense Minister Israel Katz and top security officials. The IDF condemned Hamas’s actions as a “blatant violation” of the ceasefire agreement and vowed to hold the terror group accountable. In the ensuing airstrikes, 11 people were reportedly killed, including senior Hamas field commander Yahya al-Mabhouh and several members of the Qassam Brigades, Hamas’s armed wing.

Military officials said at least three separate ceasefire violations occurred on Sunday, with Hamas operatives firing on Israeli forces stationed behind the designated “yellow line,” which marks the Israeli withdrawal boundary under the truce. In one incident, Israeli troops identified terrorists crossing the line in the Beit Lahia area and returned fire, striking them in accordance with the ceasefire terms. The IDF released video evidence to substantiate its account and warned of additional military responses should Hamas continue its provocations. While Israel maintains that its actions remain within the framework of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire, the situation underscores the fragility of the truce and the persistent volatility in Gaza as both sides brace for renewed escalation.

SOURCE: Jerusalem Post