Deadly Israeli strikes hit northern and southern parts of Gaza again after Israel reopened the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, with local hospitals reporting that about 20 Palestinians were killed. Medical officials said casualties were brought to several facilities as attacks continued in multiple areas.

The Israeli military said the strikes targeted what it described as militant positions. According to Israeli officials, the attacks were carried out in response to gunfire directed at Israeli troops operating in northern Gaza, an incident that left one Israeli officer seriously wounded.

Hamas, which governs Gaza, accused Israel of using security incidents as a pretext to continue military operations against Palestinians. The group said civilians were bearing the brunt of the renewed violence, even as the reopening of Rafah had raised hopes for limited relief and movement into and out of the territory.

The Rafah crossing is Gaza’s only gateway not directly controlled by Israel and is seen as critical for humanitarian access. Aid agencies have repeatedly warned that continued fighting could further worsen an already dire humanitarian situation for Gaza’s population, many of whom remain displaced amid ongoing hostilities.