Israeli airstrikes kill 27 in Gaza, Palestinian officials say

Palestinian health officials said 27 people, including three children, were killed in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza; the Israeli military said the strikes targeted militant commanders and sites after an alleged ceasefire breach.

Israeli airstrikes struck multiple sites across Gaza, and Palestinian health officials reported 27 deaths, including three children. The Israeli military said it targeted commanders and sites linked to Hamas and Islamic Jihad and described the strikes as a response to an alleged breach of the US-brokered ceasefire. The attacks took place a day before the Rafah border crossing with Egypt is due to reopen under a US-backed plan. The truce has been repeatedly strained by mutual accusations of violations. Key facts: - Palestinian health officials reported 27 people killed, including three children. - The Israeli military said it struck commanders, weapons storage and manufacturing sites, and linked the action to an alleged ceasefire breach. - Israeli forces reported an incident in Rafah where they said eight gunmen emerged from a tunnel, with three killed and one detained, according to the military statement. - The Rafah crossing is due to reopen under a US-backed plan the following day, while broader issues such as disarmament and international force deployment remain unresolved. Summary: The reported strikes add to ongoing tensions around the October ceasefire and were presented by Israel as retaliation for a specific incident. The Rafah crossing reopening is the next scheduled step under the US-backed plan, and major political and security questions tied to the ceasefire remain unresolved.