IDF Names Two Soldiers Killed in Rafah Attack; Israel Launches Retaliatory Strikes.

IDF Names Two Soldiers Killed in Rafah Attack; Israel Launches Retaliatory Strikes

The Israel Defense Forces on Monday identified two soldiers killed in Sunday morning’s militant attack near Rafah, prompting a sweeping wave of retaliatory airstrikes across the Gaza Strip.

According to the IDF, the fallen soldiers served with the Nahal Brigade’s 932nd Infantry Battalion and were operating close to the “Yellow Line” in southern Gaza when their unit came under fire. They were identified as Maj. Yaniv Kula, 26, and Staff Sgt. Itay Yavetz, 21.

Three additional soldiers were injured in the assault and remain hospitalized. Their names have not yet been released pending notification of their families.

In response, Israeli aircraft carried out extensive strikes targeting Hamas and affiliated militant infrastructure throughout Gaza.

The IDF said the operations were aimed at “neutralizing immediate threats” following what it described as a “serious breach of security” in the area.

The attack came amid fragile ceasefire conditions that had largely held for several weeks, raising fears of renewed escalation between Israel and Hamas.