At least 12 Palestinians, including six children, were killed across the Gaza Strip since early Saturday, according to emergency and medical officials, just one day before the Rafah border crossing is scheduled to reopen.
Deadly Strikes in Khan Younis and Gaza City
In the al-Mawasi area northwest of Khan Younis, an Israeli air strike hit a tent sheltering displaced families, killing at least seven people, among them three children. The victims’ bodies were transported to the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis.
Separately, emergency services in Gaza City reported that an Israeli strike on an apartment building in the al-Rimal neighbourhood killed at least five Palestinians, including three children.
Another air attack targeting a residential building in the al-Daraj neighbourhood of Gaza City wounded at least eight people, according to local authorities.
Rising Death Toll Since Ceasefire
The Gaza Government Media Office said at least 524 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since a ceasefire brokered by the United States came into effect on October 10.
Overall, the death toll in Gaza has surpassed 71,600 Palestinians since the war began on October 7, 2023.
Rafah Crossing Set for Limited Reopening
Residents of Rafah, located along the Gaza–Egypt border, also reported multiple air strikes in areas currently under Israeli control. The Rafah crossing is expected to reopen on Sunday for the first time since May 2024.
The reopening is part of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. However, it was delayed after Israel insisted on locating the body of the last remaining captive before allowing operations to resume.
Israeli authorities said on Saturday that only a “limited movement of people” would be permitted through the crossing, restricted to individuals who have received Israeli security clearance. No humanitarian aid or supplies will be allowed to enter Gaza through the crossing.
“Only those who fled during the past two years are allowed to return,” explained Al Jazeera correspondent Hani Mahmoud. “People born outside the Gaza Strip will not be permitted to enter.”
Hamas Calls for Full Access
Hamas responded by urging Israel to allow unrestricted movement in and out of Gaza and to fully comply with the terms of the ceasefire agreement.
Rights groups and humanitarian organisations have repeatedly warned that continued restrictions on border crossings risk worsening Gaza’s already dire humanitarian conditions.