2 IDF soldiers killed, 3 injured in Rafah attack
The deaths of Kula and Yavetz mark another blow to the Nahal Brigade, which has been engaged in some of the war’s most difficult combat.
The deaths of Kula and Yavetz mark another blow to the Nahal Brigade, which has been engaged in some of the war’s most difficult combat.
Military sources say the campaign would combine aerial bombardments, targeted ground incursions, and coordination with international partners to stabilize the area once fighting ends.
Defrin also called on Gaza residents to avoid entering areas under IDF operational control, urging them to honor the agreement and prioritize their own safety.
In a report by Ha’aretz, earlier this year the IDF, estimated that its operations since 2023 had only succeeded in destroying about one quarter of the entire tunnel network.
The initial plan includes staged care—beginning with the first 24 hours and extending to long-term follow-up—without any fixed end date.
The veterans emphasized the personal cost of the conflict, saying they ‘cannot remain silent’ in light of the ‘heavy prices’ they and their fallen comrades had paid while defending Israel.
During a sweep of a multi-story building in that city, a UAV identified a booby-trapped explosive hidden under a blanket on the sixth floor.
In recent weeks, Israeli troops in Gaza have neutralized dozens of terrorists, exposed weapons caches and tunnel networks concealed in civilian zones.
In the northern Gaza Strip, troops dismantled above-ground and below-ground terrorist infrastructure, including an ambush post where an explosive device was found.
In the southern Gaza Strip, IDF troops continue advancing in the Khan Yunis and Rafah areas, eliminating terrorists who posed a threat and destroying dozens of Hamas assets.
Roadside bombs remain the signature threat to convoys in dense Gaza streets.
The IDF announced the launch of its ground offensive on Gaza City, with fighter jets striking hundreds of targets, tanks bombarding Hamas positions, and ground forces beginning targeted raids.
Defrin emphasized that while Israel is opening corridors such as the Rashid route to allow civilians safe passage, Hamas is obstructing them.
Five divisions are expected to take part in the push to deliver a decisive blow against the terrorists.
The eliminated terrorists held key positions within the organization, representing a significant blow to its command structure and operational capabilities.
Over the past weeks, IDF and Shin Bet forces have carried out coordinated operations in Beit Hanoun, striking tunnels and underground routes to eliminate the last remaining terrorists.
In preparation for receiving displaced residents in southern Gaza, the IDF is expanding Crossing 147 to increase the flow of aid into the designated humanitarian area.
Israeli forces continue to strike Hamas targets in the Gaza City area ahead of the ground invasion, with the IDF stating on Wednesday that more than 360 targets were attacked by dozens of aircraft in three waves.
The army is continuing to investigate the incident, as during a dawn alert, the troops are supposed to be at peak alertness and vigilance, specifically on the lookout against such an attack.
Residents can use the hotline to report roadblocks or threats from the terror group aimed at stopping civilians from fleeing to safety.
