Escalation of Demolition Operations in Khan Yunis and Gaza, and Continued Closure of Rafah Crossing for the Weekend

Field sources reported that Israeli occupation forces have escalated demolition operations of residential blocks and artillery shelling in various areas south and east of the Gaza Strip in recent hours. The systematic destruction operations focused on the eastern areas of Khan Yunis city, where massive explosions were heard resulting from planting explosives in citizens' homes and detonating them remotely.

The sources confirmed that Khan Yunis city is experiencing a complex geographical reality after being effectively divided into two parts, with the occupation army fully controlling the eastern section, while large parts of the western section have been turned into a so-called 'buffer security zone'. Displaced persons in tents within these areas face direct targeting with gunfire and shells to prevent any residential stability there.

In Gaza City, demolition operations did not stop at the southern borders but extended to include the eastern neighborhoods, specifically Al-Zaytoun neighborhood and its surrounding areas southeast of the city. The occupation aims through these operations to expand the scope of the 'yellow area', which are security zones where it imposes absolute control after displacing its residents and completely destroying its infrastructure.

The eastern skies of Al-Zaytoun neighborhood witnessed intense flights of drones that dropped explosive bombs directly on Palestinian homes and the vicinity of Al-Zaytoun Club. These attacks come as part of a series of daily violations of the ceasefire agreement concluded since October 10, 2025, which has not stopped the Israeli killing machine.

At sea, Israeli warships continued to target the Palestinian coast, firing their heavy machine guns indiscriminately off the shores of Gaza City. Despite no casualties in this latest targeting, fishermen and residents face continuous threats that prevent them from approaching coastal areas.

According to Ministry of Health data, Israeli violations since the agreement came into effect have resulted in the martyrdom of 591 Palestinians and the injury of more than 1500 others with varying degrees of wounds. These figures confirm the continued escalatory approach of the occupation despite international understandings, exacerbating the humanitarian and health crisis in all governorates of the Strip.

Regarding the humanitarian situation, aid continues to enter at a pace that does not meet the minimum needs of the population, as the number of trucks has not reached the agreed-upon ceiling of 400 trucks per day. The occupation authorities impose strict obstacles to the entry of medical supplies and reconstruction equipment, in addition to continuing to prevent the entry of fuel necessary to operate vital facilities.

Regarding movement, local sources announced that the Rafah land crossing will cease operations today, Friday, and tomorrow, Saturday, due to the adopted weekly holiday. The crossing currently operates only five days a week, with the number of departures and arrivals remaining at very limited levels that are not commensurate with the volume of accumulated requests.

The most vulnerable groups, such as the wounded, sick, and students, face severe difficulties in traveling, as departures are currently limited to critical medical cases and their companions only. The occupation authorities impose complex security procedures, including the requirement to obtain prior approvals, which hinders the travel of hundreds of people with humanitarian and educational needs.

Human rights reports issued by 'Adalah' and 'Gisha' centers revealed serious violations suffered by Palestinians during their crossing, including abuse, blindfolding, and confiscation of personal belongings. Despite the limited reopening of the crossing at the beginning of this February, Israeli security control continues to impose suffocating restrictions on the movement of individuals and goods.

Khan Yunis city has been effectively divided into two sections, an eastern one controlled by the occupation forces, and parts of the western section falling within what the Israeli army calls a buffer security zone.