Gaza’s Paradox: Deadly Strikes Kill 32 Amid Final Preparations to Reopen Rafah Crossing this Monday

Gaza remains caught between a fragile truce and relentless violence. While the National Committee for Gaza Management confirmed the official reopening of the Rafah Crossing in both directions starting Monday (with operational trials beginning Sunday), Israeli airstrikes killed at least 32 Palestinians on Saturday. The attacks targeted displacement camps and the Sheikh Radwan police station, claiming the lives of women, children, and officers.

Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya launched intensive diplomatic contacts with mediators, rejecting Israeli "lies" regarding ceasefire violations and condemning the continued "massacres" against civilians. Conversely, the IDF claimed it targeted Hamas and Islamic Jihad commanders in response to a breach where militants allegedly emerged from a tunnel in Rafah. These escalations occur as Egypt and the U.S. push for the success of the 2024 peace plan’s second phase, amidst a total death toll surpassing 71,700 since October 2023.