Gaza Strip – Heavy Israeli military activity has been reported in southern Gaza, with intensified airstrikes and ground operations focused around Rafah and Khan Younis. These actions raise concerns about the fragile ceasefire agreement declared on October 10th.
Reports indicate that Israeli forces launched multiple airstrikes east of Rafah early Sunday morning. Simultaneously, significant explosions and demolition operations were observed east of Khan Younis, specifically within the area known as the ‘Yellow Line’ – a zone under Israeli military control since the recent incursion. The town of Bani Suheila, east of Khan Younis, also came under heavy artillery fire.
Local sources detailed that Israeli vehicles positioned near the Morag axis, northeast of Rafah, unleashed heavy fire during sweeping operations. Naval vessels reportedly shelled the western coast of Rafah.
Further north, an airstrike targeted an area east of the Bureij refugee camp, outside the areas designated under Israeli control in the initial phase of the ceasefire agreement. Reports also indicate that Israeli fighter jets struck areas east of Gaza City, while heavy gunfire from helicopters was reported in Jabalia, in the northern part of the Gaza Strip.
Israeli Channel 12 quoted a security source stating that the army anticipates completing the clearing of the ‘Yellow Line’ area in Gaza within the coming weeks. According to the channel, Israeli assessments suggest that Hamas retains the capability to manufacture explosive devices and is attempting to rebuild its military capacity, including smuggling weapons via drones.
The channel further reported that Israel has informed mediators that the remaining number of Hamas fighters east of Rafah is estimated at around 50, offering them the option to surrender. According to Channel 12, those who surrender will be “detained in Israel for a short period and then released” on the condition that they pledge not to bear arms or engage in any military activity.
These ongoing military operations raise serious questions about adherence to the ceasefire agreement, which has already been marred by numerous violations and resulted in significant casualties in recent weeks.
