The strikes came a day before the Rafah crossing along Gaza's border with Egypt is set to open, marking a major step in the second phase of the ceasefire.

Rimas Abu Lehia was wounded five months ago when Israeli troops opened fire toward hungry Palestinians mobbing an aid truck for food in Gaza and a bullet shattered the 15-year-old girl's left knee. Israel has announced the crossing will open in both directions on Sunday.

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel said Friday that it will reopen Gaza’s border crossing with Egypt in both directions over the weekend, allowing Palestinians to enter and leave the territory after nearly two years of closure.

Israel will reopen the Rafah border crossing on Sunday for people to travel between Gaza and Egypt, a government agency said, the first opening of effectively the sole route in or out of the Palestinian territory since May 2024.

Israel carried out its heaviest airstrikes in Gaza in weeks on Saturday, killing over two dozen people including three children in attacks on a police station, houses and tents, Palestinian health officials said.

At least 30 Palestinians were reportedly killed in Israeli strikes across Gaza as ceasefire tensions escalate ahead of Rafah border crossing reopening.