IDF opens fire on Palestinian suspects near Rafah, citing threat to troops

On January 20, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) opened fire on Palestinian suspects who “posed a threat” to troops stationed in southern Gaza’s Rafah city.

Caliber.Az, citing Israeli media, reports that Israeli forces are still deployed inside the Gaza Strip, during the ceasefire with Hamas.

The IDF has issued several warnings to Palestinians not to approach areas where troops are positioned.

According to the military, the suspects who approached troops in Rafah were shot and hit. “Further details are under review,” the IDF says.

Graphic footage circulating on social media today purports to show a Palestinian man coming under fire while trying to drag the body of a teenager who was also shot. It is unclear if the footage, reportedly from Rafah, is of the same incident reported by the IDF.

“The IDF is acting in accordance with the ceasefire agreement, and is maintaining a security zone in accordance with the agreement,” the military says.

Following negotiations that began in the spring of last year, Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas signed a ceasefire agreement and a hostage exchange deal on January 16.

The agreement came into effect on January 19. Hamas militants released the first three hostages, while Israel freed 90 Palestinian prisoners.

Israel initiated a ceasefire regime in the Gaza Strip. Additionally, IDF forces began withdrawing from the city of Rafah in the southern part of the strip.

By Khagan Isayev