The Israeli army reported that Palestinian terrorists opened fire with grenade launchers and snipers at Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers operating in the Rafah area, in the southern Gaza Strip, in a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement reached with Hamas.
According to a military statement, Israeli troops were east of the Yellow Line, a sector that remains under Israeli control in accordance with the terms of the agreement, and were conducting limited operations aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure "as stipulated in the pact."
Immediately after the attack, the IDF replied with airstrikes and artillery fire aimed at eliminating the threats.
The attacks hit several tunnels and buildings used by armed cells that had been identified in the area.
"The attack constitutes a flagrant violation of the ceasefire; the IDF will respond firmly to any attempt to endanger our forces or Israeli civilians," the army warned in its statement.
Palestinian media later reported that Israeli forces also carried out attacks in Deir al-Balah, in the center of the Strip, although no further official details about the operation have been released so far.
Today's attack reinforces Israeli warnings in recent days about the fragility of the ceasefire and the need for Hamas to strictly comply with the commitments made.
The IDF has reiterated that it will continue to act in defense of national security and against any threat from terrorist groups, even within the framework of the current agreement.
Meanwhile, Israeli government sources recalled that respect for the terms of the ceasefire depends on Hamas's willingness to halt all armed action, and that Israel keeps the right and obligation to protect its population and its soldiers from terrorist attacks.
