Israel kills 12 people, including six children, in Gaza incident
January 31, 2026 • Al Jazeera
Israel Carries Out Deadly Attacks in Gaza Ahead of Rafah Crossing Reopening
A series of deadly attacks have been reported in the Gaza Strip, occurring on Saturday, just one day before the Rafah crossing is scheduled to reopen. The crossing, which connects Egypt and Gaza, had previously been closed for several years.
According to reports, Israeli forces carried out the attacks, resulting in a significant loss of life among Palestinian civilians. The exact number of casualties is not yet confirmed.
The reopening of the Rafah crossing was initially set for Sunday, but it remains unclear whether this timeline will be met due to ongoing tensions between Israel and Gaza’s ruling Hamas movement.
Israel has continued to block aid deliveries to Gaza, citing security concerns. The blockade has been in place since 2007, when Hamas took control of the territory.
The United Nations and other international organizations have expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, which is facing severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies.
Egyptian officials had announced plans to reopen the Rafah crossing on Sunday, but it is unclear whether this will proceed as scheduled. The reopening of the crossing would provide a vital lifeline for Palestinians in Gaza, who rely heavily on Egypt for access to basic necessities.
The situation remains fluid, with ongoing reports of violence and instability in the region.
Source: Al Jazeera