By HarshitGaza City / Jerusalem | October 16, 2025 | 4:00 PM
A man has reportedly been killed in an apparent Israeli drone strike south-east of Khan Younis, Palestinian media outlets reported Wednesday, with two others seriously injured in a separate strike in Bani Suheila, north-east of the city. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), however, stated that no strikes had taken place in Khan Younis on Wednesday.
The latest reports come amid ongoing tensions surrounding the ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States, following the return of Israeli hostages and the release of Palestinian detainees earlier this week.
Hostage Families Demand Full Compliance
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, representing relatives of Israeli captives, has called on Israel to halt the next phase of the ceasefire deal if Hamas fails to return all remaining bodies.
“While Hamas continues to violate the agreement and still holds 19 hostages captive, there is no justification for any unilateral concessions by Israel,” the forum said in a statement. The group emphasized that mediating parties, including the US and other involved nations, share responsibility for ensuring the deal’s implementation.
Hamas has indicated that it requires time and specialized equipment to recover the bodies of deceased hostages from the rubble in Gaza.
Rafah Crossing Reopening Delayed
Israel has also announced that the Rafah border crossing with Egypt will not reopen unless Hamas makes a “greater effort” to return the deceased hostages. Cogat, the Israeli military body responsible for crossings, confirmed that preparations for allowing people to cross are ongoing, but no date has been set.
Egyptian authorities have stated that their side of the crossing is fully ready. Saudi state media reports now expect the crossing to open by mid-next week, though humanitarian aid will continue entering Gaza primarily through Kerem Shalom, subject to Israeli security checks.
International Stabilisation Force Planning
Under Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza, an International Stabilisation Force (ISF) would eventually enter the territory to provide security and train a Palestinian police force as Israel gradually withdraws.
Countries reportedly in discussions to contribute troops include Indonesia, the UAE, Qatar, and Azerbaijan, with the US pledging up to 200 support personnel. However, deployment remains months away and contingent on political agreement, as Hamas has so far refused to disarm or cede control to an international body.
In the meantime, reports indicate Hamas is reasserting control over Gaza, with images emerging of public executions of alleged collaborators with Israel.
The Scale of Destruction in Gaza
Rebuilding Gaza is expected to be an immense challenge. UN satellite data and BBC Verify estimates indicate:
84% of Gaza’s infrastructure is damaged, rising to 92% in Gaza City.
Over 282,000 homes and apartments have been affected since October 2023.
More than 70% of water and sanitation facilities are damaged.
An estimated 60 million tonnes of debris remain to be cleared.
Gaza continues to face near-total electricity blackouts, compounding humanitarian needs.
Recap of Recent Hostage and Detainee Releases
Over the past three days:
20 living Israeli hostages were released by Hamas.
250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,700 detainees were freed by Israel.
Four deceased hostages’ bodies were initially returned, with four more released subsequently.
Around 19 deceased hostages remain unaccounted for, as Hamas works to recover them using specialized equipment.
Despite these exchanges, tensions persist, with both sides monitoring compliance under the ceasefire and restrictions on border crossings tied to the return of hostages’ remains.
Aid Access and Humanitarian Concerns
While the Rafah crossing remains closed, humanitarian aid continues to enter Gaza via Kerem Shalom and other Israeli-controlled checkpoints. The European Union will deploy a monitoring mission at Rafah once it opens for people, in coordination with the Palestinian Authority.
UN agencies continue to call for broader access, citing urgent needs for food, water, and medical assistance, especially as residents return to neighborhoods devastated by two years of conflict.
