Only 12 returnees were allowed to cross the newly reopened border with Egypt on the first day, far fewer than the expected number.

Israeli strikes across Gaza killed at least 31 people on Saturday, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, the highest day’s death toll in over two months.

Palestinian media outlets report at least nine dead in Israeli strikes in Gaza overnight, including six in the Strip’s north, where the military says it returned fire against gunmen who attacked troops.

That made it a metaphorical lifeline for many Palestinians — a vital connection to the rest of the world. When the attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, ignited the war with Hamas, Rafah became the only potential escape route from Gaza, and tens of thousands flocked to the south in hopes of fleeing the conflict.

Hamas called Saturday's strikes "a renewed flagrant violation" and urged the United States and other mediating countries to push Israel to stop the strikes.

Israel will not accept use of Palestinian Authority's symbol, and the PA will not be a partner in the administration of Gaza,' Netanyahu's office says

PA chairman Mahmoud Abbas’ office blasts Minister Strock after she says the Gaza Strip is part of the Land of Israel.

Residents of the enclave described desperate conditions as they awaited the reopening of the key Rafah border crossing with Egypt.