In a major incident threatening the fragile Gaza ceasefire, two Israeli soldiers were killed and three others wounded in an attack in the southern Gaza city of Rafah.
According to the Israeli military, the slain soldiers have been identified as Major Yaniv Kola and Staff Sergeant Itay Yavitz, both from the 932nd Battalion of the Nahal Brigade. The attack reportedly occurred early Sunday morning near Salah al-Din Road in southeastern Rafah, close to the so-called “Yellow Line,” an area under Israeli control as part of the ongoing ceasefire arrangement with Hamas.
The Israeli military confirmed that the area is within the buffer zone established after recent hostilities, where Israeli forces are stationed to monitor ceasefire compliance. The incident marks one of the most serious breaches since the truce took effect, raising fears of renewed clashes between Israeli troops and Palestinian fighters.
Local sources reported hearing explosions and gunfire near the site, although no group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. Israeli defense officials stated that they are investigating the circumstances and assessing whether the attackers infiltrated from Palestinian-controlled zones or operated within the buffer area itself.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said additional units were deployed to secure the perimeter and prevent further escalation. “We will not tolerate any violation of the ceasefire that puts our soldiers’ lives at risk,” an IDF spokesperson said, emphasizing that the army remains committed to maintaining stability but will respond decisively if provoked.
