IDF Reservist Loses Life in Rafah After Ceasefire is Tested Again

Feldbaum was operating an excavator in the Jenina neighborhood of Rafah, assisting with the search effort for the remaining hostages as Hamas stalls their release. Though Hamas did not claim responsibility for the attack, the IDF has assessed that a group of operatives was holed up in the area, which is on the eastern side of the Yellow Line established by the ceasefire.

In an immediate response, the IDF said it struck several targets in the area that posed a threat to its troops, including buildings and tunnel shafts.

The army said that it had targeted over 30 commanders in Hamas and other terror groups in the Strip during the strikes.

“In accordance with the directive of the political echelon, and following a series of strikes, in which dozens of terror targets and terrorists were struck, the IDF has begun the renewed enforcement of the ceasefire after Hamas violated it,” the military said in a statement at 10 a.m.

“The IDF will continue to uphold the ceasefire agreement and will respond firmly to any violation of it,” the military added.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz claims that dozens of Hamas commanders were eliminated in the strikes. He also calls the deadly attack on the troops in Rafah a blatant violation of the ceasefire. “Anyone who attacks IDF soldiers and breaches agreements will pay the full price,” he said.

Feldbaum was 37 years old. He served in the Gaza Division as a heavy machinery operator and was from the settlement of Neria in the West Bank. In addition to sniper fire, terrorists also attacked with RPGs – causing damage to an armored vehicle but no additional injuries or deaths.

The Fellowship mourns this brave soldier who fought against terror and was helping start the renewal effort in Gaza after two years of war. We pray for his family, who face unimaginable grief, as we remain steadfast in our support and work for the men and women of the IDF and their families.