The Israel Defense Forces stated that these airstrikes were a response to violations of the ceasefire and were aimed at commanders and targets of Hamas and Islamic Jihad. In a joint statement, the IDF and the Shin Bet security service emphasized that any violations of the ceasefire would be taken with increased seriousness.
The airstrikes coincided with preparations for the opening of the Rafah border crossing in the south of the sector. Since the beginning of the war in October 2023, crossings into Gaza have remained closed, and Palestinians view the Rafah checkpoint as an important route for evacuating those in need of medical assistance outside the enclave.
According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, since the ceasefire began on October 10 of last year, more than 500 Palestinians have died as a result of actions by the Israeli military.
