Israeli forces strike militants in southern Gaza

Earlier on Monday (November 3), the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) reported targeting militants who crossed the so-called "yellow line" and approached Israeli positions in the southern Gaza Strip. 

The IDF said the movement posed an immediate threat to its troops.

According to the military, the strikes were carried out from both air and ground operations, with the stated aim of neutralising the threat.

The IDF said that its forces in the Southern Command remain deployed in line with the existing ceasefire agreement and will continue to act against any immediate threats.

Hamas has reportedly requested, through mediators on November 2, temporary immunity for militants stationed in underground tunnels in Rafah, allowing them to relocate to areas within the Yellow Line, according to a source familiar with the discussions.

Israeli forces are currently conducting operations in the Rafah area, where some militants are believed to be operating underground.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich noted that the IDF has been tracking militants in the Rafah enclave, some of whom were involved in recent attacks against Israeli soldiers. He expressed concern that allowing militants to leave safely before being apprehended could pose security risks.

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly considering transferring militants captured in the underground tunnels of Rafah to areas beyond the so-called “yellow line,” according to two senior diplomatic sources.

The “yellow line” refers to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire announced on September 29, 2025, by President Donald Trump and Netanyahu.

By Aghakazim Guliyev