The IDF confirmed that earlier Sunday, terrorists fired anti-tank missiles and opened fire at forces operating in the Rafah area. In response, the Israeli Air Force launched airstrikes and artillery fire in the area to neutralize the threat, destroying several operational tunnels and military structures identified as harboring terrorist activity. The military called the incident a "blatant violation" of the ceasefire deal and vowed to respond forcefully.
A senior Israeli official told Israel Hayom: "We're not bombing sand dunes, we're responding with overwhelming force to what happened in Rafah. We knew they would violate the deal and had prepared in advance with a target bank. They're getting hit hard and will continue to be hit hard."
The IDF Arabic-language spokesperson issued an urgent warning to residents of the Gaza Strip: "Following repeated violations of the ceasefire deal and the criminal attack carried out this morning by Hamas terrorists, the IDF will respond with great force against terrorist infrastructure and Hamas operatives."
Contrary to various reports, the IDF said it was not aware of any attempted abduction of soldiers. Meanwhile, firefights were reported between IDF troops and Hamas terrorists.
At the same time, Arabic-language media reported that several people were killed or wounded in an Israeli strike in the northern Gaza Strip, in the Jabaliya area. The reports also claimed that prior to the airstrikes in Rafah, Hamas allegedly attempted to target individuals suspected of cooperating with Israel.
Video: Israeli airstrikes in Rafah following ceasefire violation by Hamas
Earlier, reports from Gaza said the IDF had shelled the eastern part of Gaza City. At the same time, Israeli Navy vessels reportedly opened fire on the western part of the city.
