Deadly Israeli Strikes in Gaza, as Rafah Border Is Set to Reopen

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Natan Odenheimer and Fatima AbdulKarimJanuary 31, 2026 at 02:22 PM

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On Saturday, January 31, 2026, Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip killed at least 26 people, according to a Gaza health official. The Israeli military stated the strikes targeted Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad commanders in response to a cease-fire violation on Friday, where militants emerged from a tunnel in Rafah. Hamas condemned the strikes as a violation of the cease-fire agreement. Despite the violence, a crucial land crossing between Gaza and Egypt near Rafah is expected to reopen, allowing Palestinians who fled the two-year war to return home. This reopening is part of the cease-fire agreement established in October, which included hostage releases and Israeli military withdrawal to a designated line within Gaza.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Khan Younis 30% Fatima AbdulKarim 30% Natan Odenheimer 30% Zaher al-Waheidi 40% Gaza City 40% Egypt 40% Palestinian Islamic Jihad 60% Rafah ×270% Israel ×380% Israeli military ×585% Hamas ×690% Gaza Strip ×395%

Keywords

gaza 100% cease-fire 90% israeli airstrikes 90% hamas 80% rafah border 70% violence 60% border crossing 60% militants 50% palestinian islamic jihad 50%