Israel Strikes Gaza Killing 24 After Militant Attack on Troops

Israeli forces launched strikes across Gaza on Tuesday, killing at least 24 Palestinians, mostly women and children, after militants crossed a ceasefire line and approached soldiers in a threatening way. The Israeli military said the action came after several operatives posed an immediate danger to troops in southern Gaza near Rafah, leading to the death of one terror operative. This happened as the Rafah border crossing with Egypt reopened for civilians, but not for aid or goods.

Background

The strikes mark a sharp turn in a fragile ceasefire that had held in parts of Gaza for weeks. Just days earlier, the Rafah crossing reopened under tight controls, with Israel using facial recognition to monitor exits and security checks for entries from Egypt. The military stressed this crossing is only for people leaving Gaza, not for bringing in supplies. Aid continues through other routes under Israeli screening.

Tensions have simmered since a ceasefire deal took effect following heavy fighting. Palestinian media reported a 63-year-old man killed in a drone strike near Rafah on the Israeli side of the line. The IDF described the incident as troops spotting suspicious figures crossing the 'yellow line' – the ceasefire boundary – and opening fire to remove the threat. One operative was killed on the spot.

This fits into wider regional strains. On Israel's northern border, the IDF struck Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, killing a senior engineering commander. The move came amid reports of ceasefire violations. Meanwhile, U.S.-Iran talks loom large, with envoys preparing meetings and joint naval drills in the Red Sea signaling readiness for escalation. Hamas leaders have sent internal documents outlining plans to hold onto power in Gaza, despite calls for their disarmament.

High Representative Nico Madanov voiced alarm over recent events.

"I am deeply concerned by the events that have been going on since Friday. These events include both Hamas terrorists emerging from a tunnel in Rafah and Israeli strikes that tragically killed civilians. I call on all sides to show restraint."

– Nico Madanov, High Representative on the Board of Peace

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the Knesset, stressing vigilance.

Key Details

The Strikes and Casualties

The Israeli military carried out multiple strikes from dawn across Gaza, hitting targets in Rafah and other areas. Palestinian health officials put the death toll at 24, with most victims listed as women and children. One strike near Rafah alone killed 19, according to reports. The IDF said the operations targeted militants who had violated the ceasefire by crossing into Israeli-controlled areas.

Troops in southern Gaza spotted several figures approaching in a suspicious manner. They opened fire, killing one who the military identified as a terror operative. Palestinian sources called the dead man a civilian, but the IDF maintained he posed a direct threat. No Israeli soldiers were hurt in the exchange.

Rafah Crossing Reopens

On the same day, the Rafah crossing swung open for the first time in months, but with strict limits. Civilians can leave Gaza for Egypt, monitored remotely by Israeli facial recognition tech. Entries from Egypt face IDF checkpoints. Israel made clear: no aid or goods through Rafah. Those flows stick to other paths to prevent smuggling.

This follows a system test at the crossing and comes after yesterday's ceasefire agreement. The move aims to ease civilian movement while keeping security tight.

Broader Military Actions

North of Gaza, an IDF air strike in southern Lebanon took out a top Hezbollah commander in charge of engineering units. Israel said this was part of ongoing efforts to stop border violations. The group has fired rockets and launched drones in recent weeks, testing the truce.

In Gaza, secret Hamas documents outline steps to keep control over civilian and military matters. The group plans to manage the strip even as outside powers push for its dismantling. This clashes with U.S. plans under President Trump to end Hamas rule completely.

What This Means

These strikes test the ceasefire's limits just as Rafah reopens. Killing 24 people, many civilians, draws quick backlash from Palestinian groups and international watchers. It raises questions about how long the truce can hold if militants keep probing borders and Israel responds with force.

The Rafah move offers a small outlet for Gazans wanting to leave, but bans on aid keep pressure on. Families face tough choices: stay amid strikes or try crossing under watchful eyes. Hamas digging in with power plans signals no quick end to its grip, complicating any handover.

Regionally, Israel's Lebanon strike shows a multi-front watch. Hezbollah losses might deter attacks but could spark revenge. U.S.-Iran talks add uncertainty – diplomacy or buildup? Joint drills with U.S. ships in the Red Sea point to preparation for worse.

For Gaza residents, daily life hangs in balance. Strikes from dawn killed neighbors; now a border cracks open but not wide enough for relief. Militants crossing lines invite retaliation, trapping civilians in the crossfire. Israel's military vows to protect troops at all costs, while calls for restraint echo from Europe.

Netanyahu told lawmakers Israel stands ready for any threat. 'Anyone who attacks us will face unbearable consequences,' he said. Troops monitor borders closely, braced for more crossings or rockets. Palestinian media verifies footage of strikes, showing rubble and grief.

Hamas pushes back, claiming Israeli fire hit innocents. The group eyes time to rebuild, much like tactics used before past wars. With no hostages left in Gaza, focus shifts to rooting out fighters side-by-side with Israeli positions.

The cycle feels familiar: violation, strike, toll rises. Rafah's partial reopen buys little calm when drones hum overhead. World watches as lines blur between truce and flare-up.