Gaza: The Israeli military announced on Friday that it killed three Palestinians in the southern Gaza city of Rafah after detecting eight individuals exiting an underground tunnel.

According to Anadolu Agency, the army's Unit 414 identified these individuals emerging from underground infrastructure in eastern Rafah overnight. Guided by the Gaza Division's 143rd Brigade, the air force targeted the group, resulting in the deaths of three Palestinians.

The incident occurred amidst ongoing Israeli violations since the ceasefire took effect on October 10, 2025. These violations, which include shelling and gunfire, have resulted in the deaths of 492 Palestinians and injuries to 1,356 others. Witnesses reported that an Israeli drone targeted a civilian gathering near the Abu Namous roundabout east of Maghazi early in the morning, resulting in the deaths of two men in an area previously vacated by Israeli forces under the ceasefire agreement.

In a related development, witnesses noted that Israeli military vehicles and helicopters unleashed heavy, indiscriminate fire east of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, in territories under Israeli control. Furthermore, Israeli fighter jets conducted several airstrikes inside areas controlled by the Israeli military in Rafah, with heavy and random gunfire targeting the western parts of the city.

The military stated it later targeted areas where the remaining individuals attempted to flee and is currently assessing the outcomes. Search operations in the area are ongoing to locate the others. The announcement highlights the unresolved issue of Palestinians trapped in tunnels beneath Rafah. Hamas previously mentioned in late 2025 that it had engaged in talks with mediators to allow approximately 200 fighters from its armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, to exit a tunnel in Rafah safely, but Israel has yet to respond.

Despite developments in the Gaza ceasefire agreement, including an announcement by US President Donald Trump that the second phase would begin in mid-January, the matter remains stalled. Hamas has not yet commented on the Israeli statement.