IDF Kills Six Hamas Terrorists After Ceasefire Violation in Rafah

The IDF said Wednesday that six Hamas terrorists were killed during a serious ceasefire violation in western Rafah, after an armed cell opened fire on Israeli forces operating in the area on Tuesday evening. The incident, which unfolded close to IDF positions in southern Gaza, was described by the military as a heavy breach of the ceasefire.

According to the IDF, the clash began after military surveillance identified six armed Hamas terrorists moving in western Rafah in dangerous proximity to Israeli forces deployed in the sector. The identification triggered an immediate operational response amid heightened alert.

The six terrorists emerged from a tunnel shaft and advanced toward IDF positions. Tanks were quickly dispatched to the area and opened fire in an effort to neutralize the threat. The terrorists responded by shooting at one of the tanks, prompting an exchange of fire that escalated.

During the firefight, the IDF employed a combination of ground fire and aerial strikes to suppress and eliminate the Hamas cell. Initial assessments during the incident indicated that two terrorists had been killed, while the status of the remaining four was unclear. IDF forces continued searches and scans throughout the night to locate additional threats and assess the results of the engagement.

By Wednesday morning, the IDF confirmed that all six members of the Hamas cell had been killed. Weapons and other military equipment were found on the bodies of the terrorists, reinforcing the military’s assessment that the group was preparing to carry out an attack against Israeli forces operating in the area.

Two IDF soldiers were lightly wounded during the incident after being hit by shrapnel. The military said the soldiers received medical treatment and were evacuated for further care. Their families were notified.

In a statement following the incident, the IDF stressed the seriousness of the breach, saying it “views any violation of the agreement with great severity and will continue to act against any attempt by terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip to carry out terror attacks against IDF forces and Israeli civilians.” Israeli officials described the incident as a “blatant violation of the ceasefire,” noting that the Hamas cell’s emergence from a tunnel and its decision to open fire on IDF troops posed an immediate threat to forces operating in the area.

As of Wednesday, Israel had not carried out additional strikes against Hamas targets elsewhere in Gaza in response to the incident. However, security officials indicated that the military remains on high alert and prepared to respond to further violations or attempted attacks.