'Israeli' forces claim they killed four fighters coming out of a tunnel in Rafah

• The 'Israeli' military says it killed four Palestinian fighters who reportedly emerged from a tunnel and fired at soldiers near Rafah.
• Humanitarian conditions in Gaza remain dire, with thousands needing medical care and the Rafah crossing only partially open.

The 'Israeli' army announced on Monday that it had killed four allegedly armed Palestinian fighters after they exited a tunnel in the Rafah area of southern Gaza and reportedly opened fire on 'Israeli' soldiers, calling the incident a “blatant violation” of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement.

In an official statement, the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) said its troops of the 7th Armored Brigade identified the four gunmen as they emerged from an underground tunnel shaft, then returned fire and killed them. The military added that none of its soldiers were wounded in the encounter. 'Israeli' officials described the episode as a serious breach of the terms of the ceasefire, which was agreed last October following two years of genocide.

The army claims its forces continue operations in the area to locate and neutralize what it describes as “terror operatives” hiding within the network of tunnels in eastern Rafah, some of whom have been trapped underground for months amid ongoing tunnel-clearing efforts.

Ceasefire Strains and Ongoing Violence

The incident comes as the fragile ceasefire between 'Israel' and Hamas enters its second phase. Despite a reduction in large-scale combat, violations from the 'Israeli' side never stopped. 

Earlier this week, local health officials in Gaza reported 'Israeli' airstrikes and shelling that killed at least 24 Palestinians, including children, in Gaza City and Khan Younis. 'Israel' said those strikes were in response to fire directed at its forces near the ceasefire line.

Humanitarian Context and Rafah Crossing

The Rafah border crossing with Egypt remains only partially open, limiting the movement of patients and civilians despite provisions in the ceasefire to ease restrictions. Around 200 Palestinians, mostly patients and their families, have crossed in both directions since the limited reopening, a rare opportunity for medical treatment outside the besieged enclave.

Aid organizations continue to warn of a dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where food insecurity, lack of medical services, and infrastructure destruction persist amid tight restrictions on aid deliveries and mobility.

Hamas and Disarmament Talks

The second phase of the ceasefire agreement includes provisions for the disarmament of Hamas and a gradual withdrawal of 'Israeli' forces, alongside deployment of an international security force and support for Palestinian police training. Hamas has long resisted disarmament as a “red line” but has indicated willingness to discuss handing over arms to an independent Palestinian authority.

'Israeli' officials, however, claim that Hamas still retains significant military capacity within the Gaza Strip, including thousands of fighters and tens of thousands of weapons.