Gaza Strikes Resume Day Before Rafah Crossing Reopens

One day before the Rafah crossing reopens for the first time in 8 months, the sound of airstrikes echoed across Gaza again. 12 Palestinians died in Israeli attacks since dawn, half of them children.

Violence Continues Under Ceasefire

An Israeli airstrike hit a displacement tent in the al-Mawasi area northwest of Khan Younis on Saturday, killing 7 Palestinians, including 3 children. Hours later, another strike targeted an apartment building in Gaza City's Remal neighborhood, claiming 5 more lives, again including 3 children.

Since the US-brokered ceasefire took effect on October 10, Israeli forces have killed 524 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Government Media Office. The numbers reveal an uncomfortable truth: the ceasefire hasn't stopped the dying.

A Border Opens, But With Strings Attached

Sunday marks the reopening of the Rafah crossing, Gaza's only gateway to Egypt, closed since May 2024. This was a key demand in the ceasefire agreement with Hamas, yet Israel delayed the opening until the body of its last remaining captive was recovered.

The terms are restrictive. Israel will allow only "limited movement" of people who receive security clearance. No humanitarian aid will pass through. Only those who fled in the past 2 years can return, while anyone born outside Gaza remains barred.

Hamas immediately called for unrestricted movement, demanding Israel honor all ceasefire provisions. The response highlights the gap between what was promised and what's being delivered.

The Weight of Numbers

Since October 7, 2023, Israel's military campaign has killed over 71,600 Palestinians – roughly 3% of Gaza's entire population. The international community calls it genocide; Israel maintains it's a legitimate operation against Hamas.

The Rafah reopening carries deep symbolism. For Gazans, it represents hope for connection with the outside world. But the restrictions reveal the reality: movement remains subject to Israeli approval, making freedom conditional rather than guaranteed.

The Bigger Picture

The timing isn't coincidental. As diplomatic pressure mounts for a lasting solution, both sides appear to be testing boundaries. Israel continues military operations while offering limited concessions. Hamas accepts partial reopening while demanding more.

This pattern reflects a broader challenge in conflict resolution: the gap between ceasefire agreements and sustainable peace. Technical compliance with terms doesn't necessarily translate to meaningful progress toward ending the underlying conflict.