Two Israeli Soldiers Killed in Rafah as Tensions Rise in Gaza
Israeli media outlets have reported that two Israeli soldiers were killed and four others wounded in a security incident in Rafah, a city located in southern Gaza. The incident reportedly occurred when an Israeli military engineering vehicle was targeted by an explosion.
According to reports broadcast by Israel’s Channel 14, the explosion took place during an Israeli military operation in Rafah, where Yasser Abu Shabab, a figure allegedly linked to militant groups, was believed to be hiding. Two military helicopters transported the injured soldiers to Soroka Medical Center.
In response, the Israeli Air Force launched attacks on Rafah, claiming it was retaliating against gunfire in the area. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that he had instructed the military to act decisively against Hamas targets in Gaza.
Meanwhile, Israel’s Defense Minister Yisrael Katz warned that Hamas would pay a heavy price for any rocket fire or violations of the ceasefire agreement. He further cautioned that failure to heed Israel’s warnings would lead to additional military responses.
The Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, claimed it had no knowledge of the Rafah incident, citing the loss of direct control over the area since March this year. The group emphasized that Rafah is currently under Israeli occupation.
These developments come amid rising domestic pressure within Israel, particularly from far-right ministers calling for a resumption of the war in Gaza, which suggests waning support for the previously agreed ceasefire.
Although a short-term truce brokered by the United States had been in effect, regional media report that Israel has repeatedly violated the agreement and resumed military operations across various parts of Gaza.
Israel’s recent actions, especially the assault on Rafah, have once again raised questions about its commitment to the peace process and international humanitarian obligations, intensifying concerns about a renewed escalation of the conflict in Gaza.
