The IDF carried out an airstrike in Khan Yunis on Wednesday evening. Palestinian media reported that six people were killed, including two children, after a drone allegedly fired four missiles at a tent sheltering displaced families near the Kuwaiti Hospital.

In a separate incident, Palestinian outlets reported that an armored Israeli military vehicle opened fire in eastern Gaza City.

IDF: Strike Following Tunnel Attack in Rafah

The IDF confirmed that the strike in Khan Yunis targeted a Hamas operative, though it remains unclear whether the assassination attempt was successful.

According to the military, the operation was conducted in response to a ceasefire violation earlier Wednesday, when several militants emerged from a tunnel shaft in Rafah and opened fire.

A soldier from the Golani Brigade was seriously wounded, while three others — two from Golani and one from the Gaza Division — were moderately injured, the army said.

Tensions Rise After Hamas Transfers Body 

Islamic Jihad Claims Body Was Found in Beit Lahia

The escalation comes hours after Hamas transferred to Israel a body it claims belongs to an Israeli hostage.
Islamic Jihad announced it had located the body earlier in the day in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza.

Phase II Envisioned to Include Israeli Withdrawal

Despite international discussions about the future of Gaza, Hamas leadership is working informally to signal that demilitarization and a transfer of governance will not occur in practice.

Nonetheless, Hamas officials believe the United States will push Israel to enter Phase II of the post-war framework, which could include:

• Israeli withdrawal from territory it currently controls

• Establishment of a new tent city in Rafah

• Full reconstruction of the Gaza Strip

• Reopening of the Rafah pedestrian crossing from Egypt, initially for individuals and later for goods

Israel to Open Rafah Crossing 

The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) announced Wednesday that the Rafah Crossing will open in the coming days for the exit of Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt, in line with the ceasefire framework and political directives.

Departures will be coordinated with Egypt, require Israeli security approval, and be supervised by the European Union, mirroring the mechanism used in January 2025.

Until now, only wounded individuals, patients, and foreign nationals have been permitted to leave. The goods crossing will remain closed, and all humanitarian aid will continue to enter exclusively via Kerem Shalom, under strict security inspection by the Ministry of Defense.

The Rafah Crossing remains a source of tension in negotiations, with Israeli security officials warning that Hamas may attempt to smuggle weapons or dual-use materials into Gaza through the route.