IDF forces spotted eight terror operatives emerging from a tunnel in eastern Rafah last night. Ynet reports that ensuing airstrikes eliminated three of them, while the search for the remaining terrorists continues. This comes as U.S. President Donald Trump and the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) plan to remove a disarmed Hamas from Gaza, though the terror group has not confirmed its intentions to do so. The Rafah Border Crossing is also set to open in the coming days.
According to the military, troops from Unit 414, part of the combat intelligence collection array, spotted the terrorists early Friday. The air force, acting on guidance from the Gaza Division, carried out the initial strike, the military said.
Additional strikes were later conducted against areas where the remaining militants attempted to flee. The military said the results of those strikes were still under review and that ground forces continue to conduct extensive searches in the area to locate and kill the remaining terrorists.
In Rafah, the border crossing between Israel and Egypt has been closed since 2024. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it would remain closed until the final hostage, Ran Gvili, was returned. With his return earlier this week, the crossing is now set to reopen in both directions next week.
The IDF also continues its efforts to dismantle terror infrastructure throughout Gaza. With the terrorists’ commitment to laying down their weapons and relinquishing control of the city questionable at best, The Fellowship and our supporters stand with these brave soldiers and their families, as they continue to work toward the ultimate goal of shalom—peace.