An IDF soldier was wounded when an explosive went off while he was clearing terrorist infrastructure in Rafah. He has since been taken to Soroka Medical Center for treatment. As the IDF investigates whether the device was recently planted by Hamas or left behind from earlier in the war since October 7, Ynet reports that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement that Israel will respond accordingly to what could be another ceasefire violation by Hamas.
The statement accused Hamas of continuing to violate the ceasefire and U.S. President Donald Trump’s “20-point plan,” citing Hamas’ refusal to disarm. “Their ongoing and continuing public refusal to disarm is an ongoing flagrant violation, and again today their violent intentions and violations were confirmed by their detonation of an IED that wounded an IDF officer,” the statement said.
It added that Hamas must be compelled to uphold the agreement it signed, including removal from power, disarmament, and de-radicalization, and reiterated that Israel would respond.
Israeli officials say Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad have violated the ceasefire in Gaza on an almost daily basis. Terrorists who cross the yellow line are regularly targeted by Israeli forces.
While Rafah is on the IDF’s side of the Yellow Line in Gaza, there have been a handful of incursions by Hamas operatives this month that have seen IDF personnel injured. Israeli officials have stressed to the United States that these constitute a clear violation of the ceasefire that began two months ago. The terror group also issued a statement, saying that it was Israel that had previously planted the explosive device.
At the same time, the last remaining hostage, Master Sgt. Ran Gvili, remains in Gaza with still no new information regarding his body’s whereabouts. Recently, a demonstration was held in his honor, with Israelis urging his return before the new year. The Fellowship and our supporters lift our prayers for the brave souls of the IDF doing their best to keep the peace in Gaza, and that Gvili’s family will soon find closure as he is finally returned home.
