The Israeli Minister of Defense, Israel Katz, warned Hamas that it would pay a “heavy price” for any attack targeting Israeli soldiers and for any violation of the Gaza ceasefire, according to a statement from his office.
“Hamas will learn the hard way today that the Israeli military is determined to protect its soldiers and prevent any harm from coming to them,” Katz said, following airstrikes by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in response to what they described as “terrorist attacks” on their positions.
An Israeli military officer stated that there is a “possibility of further strikes” against Hamas in response to what he described as “ceasefire violations” by the Palestinian group.
The officer, speaking to journalists, noted that three incidents occurred today, during which armed Hamas members fired on Israeli troops beyond the “Yellow Line” — a zone from which Israeli forces withdrew under the ceasefire agreement — in the Rafah (south) and Beit Lahia (north) areas.
At the same time, the IDF reiterated its warning to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip to avoid entering areas under Israeli control and to stay away from Israeli troops.
“Following repeated violations of the ceasefire agreement and the criminal attack launched this morning by Hamas terrorist elements, the IDF will respond with targeted force against Hamas infrastructure and terrorist operatives,” said Avihai Andrai, the IDF’s Arabic-speaking spokesperson.
“The IDF reiterates its warning: for your safety and due to ongoing attacks, remain only on the western side of the Yellow Line,” he added.
Gaza residents and local health authorities reported that at least 11 people were killed today by Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire.
Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the IDF and security services to “take strong action against terrorist targets in the Gaza Strip,” accusing Hamas of violating the ceasefire agreement, according to his office.
The order was given “following Hamas’ breach of the ceasefire” and after “consultations with Defense Minister Israel Katz and the heads of security services,” the statement added.
