Gaza Strip, January 16, 2026 – A marked escalation in military activity was observed today in the central and southern Gaza Strip, coinciding with the funerals of Palestinians killed in recent Israeli strikes. Continued ground incursions, artillery fire, and aerial bombardments have fueled growing concerns about the targeting of civilians.
In central Gaza, reports indicate a limited incursion by Israeli military vehicles east of Deir al-Balah, beyond the established ‘Yellow Line.’ This operation was reportedly conducted under heavy artillery cover, gunfire, land leveling, and the construction of earthen barriers. Drone activity was also observed, along with helicopter fire directed toward residential areas.
Eyewitness accounts detail gunfire directed at individuals attempting to approach the eastern areas of the city. Artillery fire also extended to the east of the nearby Bureij refugee camp. These developments unfolded as Palestinians in Deir al-Balah mourned four individuals, including a commander from the Al-Qassam Brigades, Muhammad al-Houli, his wife, and two others. Their funeral procession commenced from Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital.
Simultaneously, three more Palestinians, including a child, were laid to rest in the Nuseirat camp following the targeting of an apartment belonging to the Al-Khatib family. Another Palestinian was reportedly killed in the Al-Nabulsi area, west of Gaza City, while the Al-Tuffah and Al-Shuja’iya neighborhoods east of the city were subjected to renewed airstrikes.
In southern Gaza, Palestinians continue to anxiously await the opening of the Rafah border crossing for the entry of humanitarian aid. However, there are currently no indications that the crossing will be opened soon. Israeli forces maintain control over Rafah, and have not withdrawn from the Palestinian side of the crossing, despite reported readiness from Egyptian authorities.
These developments occur against a backdrop of ongoing ceasefire violations, both within and beyond the ‘Yellow Line’, with new casualties reported, particularly in Khan Yunis. Residents described a tense night in Khan Yunis, characterized by continuous gunfire from Israeli military outposts, vehicles, and drones deployed along the expanded ‘Yellow Line,’ which has reportedly reached Salah al-Din Street.
DZWatch will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.
