Israeli forces killed two Palestinian militants in Gaza on Tuesday, in what appears to be a violation of the ceasefire agreement. The incident occurred as a Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo for discussions regarding the opening of the Rafah crossing and the completion of the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.
According to the Israeli military, the operation targeted armed militants in the southern Gaza Strip. A statement claimed that soldiers identified six armed individuals near Rafah. Tanks engaged the militants, resulting in an exchange of fire, including what the army described as “precise airstrikes.” The statement confirmed the death of two militants and indicated that searches for the remaining individuals are ongoing.
Reports indicate that Israeli helicopters carried out strikes in areas near the Morag axis, north of Rafah. This renewed aerial bombardment coincided with intense gunfire in the region.
The ceasefire agreement, brokered with U.S. mediation, stipulated the withdrawal of Israeli forces to positions east of what is referred to as the “Yellow Line” within the Gaza Strip. Rafah, located beyond the Yellow Line, remains under Israeli military control, while areas on the opposite side are under Hamas control.
Last Thursday, the Israeli military announced strikes against Hamas targets throughout the Gaza Strip, citing an attempted rocket launch from Gaza towards Israel. Civil defense officials in Gaza reported at least 13 fatalities in those strikes, including five children. The ceasefire, which took effect on October 10th, has been marred by numerous violations. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, over 447 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire began.
The Israeli military reports that three Israeli soldiers have been killed in the Gaza Strip since the ceasefire came into effect.
Meanwhile, the Hamas delegation’s arrival in Cairo signals ongoing efforts to address critical issues related to border access and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territory.
