Israeli Airstrikes Kill 3 In Rafah Amid Fragile Gaza Ceasefire

The Israeli military said on Friday that it carried out overnight airstrikes targeting what it described as “eight terrorists” in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, killing three people, despite a ceasefire that has been in place for more than three months.

According to a military statement, Israeli forces identified eight individuals emerging from underground locations, prompting air force strikes that “eliminated three of the terrorists.” The army did not disclose the identities of those targeted, adding that additional strikes were conducted and that troops are continuing searches in the area “to locate and eliminate all the terrorists.”

The military said its forces remained deployed in line with the ceasefire agreement and would continue operations to neutralise any immediate threats.

The US-brokered truce, aimed at halting hostilities between Israel and Hamas following the group’s October 2023 attack, has largely held, though both sides have repeatedly accused each other of violations. In early January, Washington announced that the ceasefire had entered its second phase, which is intended to bring a permanent end to the war, even as disputes over compliance persist.

The first phase of the ceasefire significantly reduced fighting and facilitated the exchange of hostages held in Gaza for Palestinian prisoners and the remains of deceased Palestinians held by Israel. Earlier this week, the remains of the final hostage, Ran Gvili, were returned, and his funeral was held on Wednesday.

On Sunday, Israel said it would permit a limited reopening of the Rafah crossing, allowing only pedestrian movement. The decision fell short of expectations from humanitarian organisations and Gaza residents, as the enclave’s humanitarian situation remains critical. More than two million people face severe hardship, with widespread displacement, inadequate sanitation, and harsh winter conditions forcing many to live in tents.

The partial reopening of Rafah is also expected to facilitate the entry of a newly formed 15-member technocratic administrative committee tasked with overseeing Gaza’s governance under the ceasefire. Known as the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, the Palestinian-led body is responsible for day-to-day administration and reports to US President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace.”

A central element of the ceasefire’s second phase is the disarmament of Hamas. On Thursday, Trump told his cabinet that developments suggested the group may move toward disarming. Hamas, however, has publicly rejected calls to surrender its weapons.

In exchange, Israel is expected to fully withdraw its forces, which still control more than half of Gaza, with an international stabilisation force slated to take their place.