Ceasefire Shaken as Two Soldiers Killed in Rafah Anti-Tank Attack; Israel Closes Crossings to Gaza

A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came under strain this morning (Sunday) after two IDF soldiers were killed and another was seriously wounded in an anti-tank missile attack in Rafah. The incident, which the army described as a “serious violation” of the agreement, led Israel to shut down all Gaza crossings and launch retaliatory airstrikes across the Strip.

According to the IDF, the attack occurred when gunmen emerged from a tunnel shaft in Rafah and fired an anti-tank missile at Israeli engineering forces operating to destroy underground infrastructure. The victims were identified as Major Yaniv Kula, 26, from Modi'in, a company commander in Battalion 932 of the Nahal Brigade, and Sergeant Itai Yavetz, 21, also from Modi'in, a fighter in the same battalion. A reservist from an engineering unit was seriously wounded.

The army is investigating whether the attack was premeditated or the result of gunmen reacting after being trapped in a tunnel scheduled for demolition. IDF forces returned fire toward the shafts from which the gunmen emerged, though it remains unclear if any were hit.

Fallen Soldiers Remembered

Major Yaniv Kula was remembered as a dedicated commander and beloved leader. A graduate of the Golan Yeshiva and the Tactical Command College, Kula had previously led the same company once commanded by his late friend, Captain Dvir Revach, who was killed earlier in the Gaza campaign.
In a speech to his troops two months ago, Kula said:

“I became addicted to the people and the songs of the company, to the devotion to the mission, to the pursuit of victory, to friendship and unity. The company will be an example and a role model, for the sake of its fallen.”
His funeral will be held Monday at 10:00 a.m. at Mount Herzl Military Cemetery in Jerusalem.

Sergeant Itai Yavetz, described by his family as “intelligent, modest, and always smiling,” was a graduate of Ironi G High School and part of the “Erez” combat commanders’ training program. His funeral will take place Monday at 5:00 p.m. at the military cemetery in Modi'in, following a procession from his family home.

“For Itai, family was the center of the world,” his parents said. “His love for people, for his country, and for life will remain engraved in the hearts of all who knew him.”

Ceasefire Under Strain

Following the deadly attack, the IDF launched retaliatory strikes across the Gaza Strip, including against a tunnel previously used by Hamas to hold hostages. Airstrikes were also reported in Khan Yunis and the Nuseirat refugee camp, according to Arab media.

The IDF said the Hamas gunmen had crossed the so-called “yellow line”—the designated Israeli withdrawal boundary set under the ceasefire terms. However, Israel’s foreign media spokesperson emphasized that the ceasefire “remains in effect,” noting that soldiers are “authorized to defend themselves if attacked.”

Hamas denied involvement in the Rafah attack, claiming it remains committed to the ceasefire and that it had “no communication with fighters” in the area, which it said is under Israeli control.

Israel Closes Crossings, Reinforces Ceasefire

In response, Israel closed all crossings into the Gaza Strip, halting the entry of humanitarian aid until further notice. Defense sources confirmed that Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir recommended the measure to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who approved it.

An IDF spokesperson stated Sunday evening:

“Following a severe violation of the ceasefire by the Hamas terrorist organization, and in accordance with the directives of the political echelon, the IDF has reinforced the ceasefire lines and is prepared to respond forcefully to any future violations.”

Senior Israeli defense officials reportedly advocated for a stronger response — including several days of combat or targeted assassinations — viewing the Rafah incident as a deliberate challenge to the agreement. However, according to assessments, American diplomatic pressure prevented a broader escalation.