Israeli Strikes Kill 12 in Gaza as Ceasefire Moves Forward and Rafah Crossing Nears Reopening

Post by : Saif Nasser

At least 12 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza on Saturday, according to hospital officials, even as a ceasefire agreement moves closer to full implementation. The deaths highlight the fragile situation on the ground, where violence continues despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to stop the war.

The strikes hit both northern and southern parts of Gaza. In Gaza City, an apartment building was struck, killing a mother, her three children, and another family member. In the southern city of Khan Younis, an attack hit a tent shelter, triggering a fire that killed seven people. Among the dead were a father, his three children, and three grandchildren.

Hospital officials said the victims included two women and six children from two separate families. Shifa Hospital in Gaza City and Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis received the bodies. Medical staff described the scenes as devastating, especially as many families had sought shelter in tents believing they were safer from attack.

The strikes occurred just one day before the planned reopening of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt. For many Palestinians, Rafah is a vital lifeline. It offers the only route for civilians to leave Gaza for urgent medical treatment, as most hospitals and clinics inside the territory have been damaged or destroyed during months of fighting.

Since the war began, all border crossings into Gaza have largely remained closed. Aid deliveries have been limited, and patients needing advanced medical care have been trapped inside the territory. The reopening of Rafah is seen as a small but important step toward easing the humanitarian crisis.

According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 500 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since the ceasefire began on October 10. While the ministry operates under the Hamas-led administration, its casualty records are widely considered reliable by United Nations agencies and independent experts.

Israel’s military did not immediately comment on the latest strikes. Past statements have said Israeli forces target militant positions, but local health officials and residents continue to report high civilian casualties.

As ceasefire talks continue and plans for reopening crossings move ahead, the latest deaths underline how fragile the situation remains. For families in Gaza, the promise of peace feels uncertain while airstrikes continue and civilians keep paying the highest price.