Netanyahu threatens retaliation, demands Hamas be disarmed after Gaza terror bombing

Israeli prime minister castigates terror group over ceasefire violations after Israeli soldier injured in Hamas bomb attack in the Gaza Strip; demands Hamas be “held to account.”

By David Rosenberg, World Israel News

An IDF soldier was injured in a terrorist bombing attack in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, prompting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to demand Hamas be held to account for violating the Gaza ceasefire, while warning that Israel would respond to the attack.

The attack occurred in the city of Rafah in southern Gaza, deep on the Israeli side of the yellow line demarcating the ceasefire boundaries.

According to the Israeli military, terrorists set off an improvised explosive device on a passing IDF “Namer” armored personnel carrier, injuring an officer from the Golani Brigade.

The soldier was evacuated to Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, where he is listed in light condition.

“Earlier today (Wednesday), an explosive device was detonated against an armored vehicle during an operational activity to clear the Rafah area of terrorist infrastructure,” an IDF spokesperson said.

“As a result, a combat officer was lightly wounded and evacuated to a hospital for medical treatment. His family has been notified.”

Shortly afterwards, the Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement condemning the attack, calling it a “flagrant” violation of the October ceasefire deal.

“The Hamas terror organization continues to violate the ceasefire and President Trump’s 20-point plan,” the PMO said.

“Their ongoing and continuing public refusal to disarm is an ongoing flagrant violation and again today their violent intentions and violations were confirmed by their detonation of an IED that wounded an IDF officer.”

Netanyahu’s office demanded Hamas be held to account for the attack, while vowing Israel would retaliate.

“Hamas must be held to the agreement that they signed on, which includes removal from governance, demilitarization and de-radicalization. Israel will respond accordingly.”