Israeli troops operating in the southern Gaza Strip reported killing several armed men on the Israel-controlled side of the Yellow Line, including four gunmen near Rafah and another who crossed into the Khan Younis area. The incidents occurred as the military continued its campaign to demolish tunnels used by Hamas, with airstrikes confirming the deaths of three operatives and the fate of a fourth remaining unclear. Despite a ceasefire, tensions persist over the fate of 100-200 Hamas fighters trapped in Israeli-controlled Rafah, with international pressure mounting on Israel to allow their safe passage.

Efforts to resolve the standoff have included proposals for exile or surrender, but Israel has so far refused to allow the fighters to leave unarmed. The United States is urging a solution to advance the broader peace plan, while Israeli officials remain firm in their stance. Meanwhile, both Israeli and American officials are preparing contingency plans for Gaza should current negotiations fail, highlighting the ongoing complexity of the situation.