Israel: Hamas leaders ‘in tunnels or suits’ face IDF retaliation

The defense minister vowed there will be “no immunity” for Hamas leaders, neither at home nor abroad.

By World Israel News Staff

Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that Israel would take further action against Hamas and its leaders — including its representatives abroad — if the terror group continues violating the ceasefire signed earlier this month and attacking IDF soldiers.

“Dozens of Hamas commanders were eliminated in a powerful IDF operation since yesterday in response to the attack on IDF soldiers and the blatant violation of the agreement to return the fallen hostages, in addition to strikes on dozens of infrastructure targets,” Katz said in a statement released after the IDF announced that the ceasefire was back in effect.

“There is and will be no immunity for anyone in the leadership of the Hamas terror organization, neither for those wearing suits nor for those hiding in tunnels. Anyone who raises a hand against IDF soldiers, his hand will be severed,” Katz declared.

The defense minister emphasized that “anyone who attacks IDF soldiers and breaches agreements will pay the full price.”

Since the ceasefire was secured in early October, three IDF soldiers have been killed in Hamas attacks inside the Gaza Strip. The group has asserted that the incidents were carried out by independent, unaffiliated factions — a claim Israel rejects.

On Tuesday, reservist Master Sgt. Yonah Efraim “Efi” Feldbaum was killed when a Hamas operative fired an RPG at his unit in the Jenina area of Rafah — located within the “Yellow Line,” where IDF soldiers are permitted to operate under the truce.

Feldbaum’s killing, combined with a staged deception in which Hamas falsely claimed to have discovered a hostage’s body — later revealed to be the remains of a captive already returned to Israel — prompted Israel to launch a wave of retaliatory airstrikes.

According to Gaza’s Hamas-run Health Ministry, at least 100 people were killed in the strikes, which President Donald Trump had publicly endorsed.

Both Trump and Vice President JD Vance have expressed confidence that the ceasefire will continue to hold, despite what they described as “skirmishes” and repeated Hamas violations.