Tensions flared in Gaza after Israeli airstrikes killed five senior Hamas officials, following an attack in which a Palestinian gunman opened fire on IDF troops in southern Gaza. The IDF said the operative crossed the Yellow Line using a humanitarian route and fired at soldiers before being killed.
Israel called the shooting a clear breach of the ceasefire that began October 10. The Prime Minister’s Office said the airstrikes targeted Hamas operatives responsible for repeated violations. A U.S. official confirmed that the Trump administration supports Israel’s response.
Hamas accused Israel of breaking the ceasefire and threatened to end the truce, though later denied officially canceling it. Gaza’s Hamas-run Civil Defense reported 21 deaths from the strikes, though the numbers are unverified.
Meanwhile, the IDF completed a 24-hour pursuit of 17 Hamas operatives who emerged from a tunnel near Rafah. Six were killed by airstrikes, five captured on Friday, five more killed Saturday, and the final operative detained. The captured fighters were transferred to the Shin Bet for questioning.
Israel reiterated its demand that Hamas return the bodies of the three slain hostages it still holds and comply with the demilitarization terms outlined in the U.S. peace plan.
