A. Rahman
Intense Israeli military operations continue in the Gaza Strip, with multiple bombardments reported just one day prior to the anticipated partial reopening of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt.
![Palestinians survey the aftermath of an Israeli strike in Gaza City on January 31, 2026. (Dawoud Abu Alkas/Reuters)]
Israeli forces have carried out a series of deadly attacks across Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least 31 Palestinians, among them six children and a number of police officers. These incidents occurred amid ongoing tensions in the region, highlighting the fragile state of the recent ceasefire.
In one tragic event, an Israeli airstrike targeted a tent used by displaced families in the Mawasi region, located northwest of Khan Younis. Medical officials confirmed that seven people lost their lives, including three young children. The victims’ remains were transported to the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis for identification and burial.
Further north in Gaza City, another airstrike struck an apartment complex in the Remal district, claiming the lives of five Palestinians, three of whom were children. Eyewitness accounts described powerful explosions that sent shockwaves through the area, followed by thick clouds of dust and debris. “The blasts were deafening, and soon after, a massive dust cloud engulfed everything. Inside the targeted apartment, we lost at least five people, including a mother and her kids,” reported Hani Mahmoud, a correspondent for Al Jazeera on the ground in Gaza City.
In a separate incident in Gaza City’s Daraj neighborhood, Israeli shelling hit another residential building, injuring eight civilians. Mahmoud noted that these strikes are occurring within areas designated as relatively safer zones, marked by what he called the “yellow line.” Additionally, in Khan Younis, Israeli fighter jets completely demolished a structure after issuing a prior warning from the military.
According to Gaza’s Government Media Office, the death toll from Israeli actions since the U.S.-mediated ceasefire took effect on October 10 has now reached at least 524 Palestinians. This figure underscores the persistent violence despite the truce agreement.
Residents in the southern border town of Rafah reported hearing several explosions in zones controlled by Israeli forces. This comes as Israel prepares to reopen the Rafah crossing on Sunday, marking the first time since May 2024 that the vital link between Gaza and Egypt will be operational again. The reopening is a stipulated part of the ceasefire deal with Hamas, though it was delayed until Israel recovered the remains of its final captive.
However, Israeli authorities have stated that access will be strictly limited. Only individuals who have undergone Israeli security vetting will be permitted to cross, and the movement will be restricted to a “limited” number of people. Crucially, no humanitarian aid or supplies will be allowed through the crossing at this stage. As Mahmoud explained, “This applies only to those who left Gaza over the last two years; anyone born outside the territory won’t be granted entry.”
In response, Hamas has demanded that Israel permit unrestricted travel in and out of Gaza and fully comply with the ceasefire terms. The group emphasized the need for free movement to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the enclave.
The broader conflict, which Israel has described as a campaign against Hamas, has led to devastating losses. Since October 7, 2023, more than 71,600 Palestinians have been killed in what many international observers have labeled as a genocidal war on Gaza.
This ongoing violence raises serious concerns about the sustainability of the ceasefire and the urgent need for international intervention to protect civilian lives and facilitate humanitarian relief.
Summary
Israeli military strikes across Gaza on January 31, 2026, resulted in 31 Palestinian deaths, including six children, with attacks reported in areas like Mawasi, Gaza City, and Rafah. This occurred ahead of the partial reopening of the Rafah border crossing, which will allow limited vetted crossings but no aid. Since the October 10 ceasefire, 524 Palestinians have died, adding to over 71,600 fatalities since October 2023. Hamas calls for unrestricted access as tensions persist.
This article is based on original reporting from Al Jazeera.
