IDF footage shows Rafah firefight that killed six gunmen

Stav Levaton is a military reporter for The Times of Israel

Weapons recovered on the bodies of gunmen involved in a Rafah clash with IDF troops, in a photo cleared for publication on January 14, 2026. (Israel Defense Forces)
Weapons recovered on the bodies of gunmen involved in a Rafah clash with IDF troops, in a photo cleared for publication on January 14, 2026. (Israel Defense Forces)

The IDF publishes new footage from yesterday’s clash between troops and gunmen in western Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, in which all six armed suspects involved were killed.

According to the military, forces from the 7th Armored Brigade identified six gunmen on the Israeli-controlled side of the Yellow Line. Tanks moved in and opened fire, after which the suspects returned fire at one of the tanks, triggering a firefight that also included strikes by the air force.

The IDF called the incident a “serious violation” of the October ceasefire agreement and said it will continue to act against any attempts by terror groups in Gaza to carry out attacks on Israeli forces or civilians.

The video shows the gunmen firing at IDF tanks, with troops returning fire.

The military also publishes photos of the weapons that were found on the suspects’ bodies after the clash.

IDF footage shows a tank clashing with gunmen in west Rafah, in a video cleared for publication January 14, 2026. (Israel Defense Forces)

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