The IDF said it identified several operatives crossing the ceasefire demarcation line — known as the Yellow Line — in Gaza and placing an explosive device in the ground before approaching soldiers from the Gaza Division’s Northern Brigade “in a way that posed an immediate threat” earlier today.

“The terrorists were eliminated to remove the threat,” the IDF said in a statement.

Palestinian media reported that two boys — Mohammad and Suleiman al-Zawar’a, ages 15 and 14 — were killed in a drone strike near the now-defunct Kamal Adwan Hospital, on the Hamas-controlled side of the ceasefire line.

Those reports said the boys had been collecting firewood, though Israeli officials said the individuals were observed planting an explosive device and moving toward Israeli forces.

Israeli military officials said the incident reflects what they describe as a pattern of Hamas using civilians — including minors — to probe Israeli positions and carry out ceasefire violations, placing Israel in an operational dilemma: respond to an active threat or risk allowing explosives to be planted near its forces.

Since the U.S.-sponsored ceasefire took effect on Oct. 10, large-scale fighting has largely paused, but both Israel and Hamas have repeatedly accused each other of breaching the agreement. Israeli officials have argued that localized violations, including attempts to plant explosives along the truce line, are testing the durability of the deal and increasing the risk of escalation.

The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry said Saturday that hospitals in the Strip had received 12 wounded and four killed by Israeli fire over the past 48 hours, though it did not provide names, locations, or details on the circumstances of the deaths.

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