Four Palestinians were reportedly wounded Monday when Israeli forces opened fire in Rafah, according to Gazan sources, just hours after a ceasefire went into effect. The incident comes as the IDF maintains strategic positions throughout Gaza, with military spokesman Col. Avichay Adraee issuing strict movement restrictions for Palestinian civilians.
"IDF forces remain deployed in specific areas," Adraee announced in a statement, outlining several no-go zones including the Netzarim corridor and areas near the Rafah crossing. The military also warned residents against maritime activities, with fishing and swimming currently prohibited along the Gaza coast.
The ceasefire, which began yesterday (Sunday) at 8:30 AM local time, includes detailed guidelines for civilian movement, with particular emphasis on restricted access between northern and southern Gaza. Military officials stressed that approaching IDF positions or attempting unauthorized north-south travel could result in serious risk to civilian safety.
As per the agreement, Hamas released three female Israeli hostages in exchange for 90 Palestinian prisoners.
However, Hamas orchestrated a misleading spectacle during Sunday night's release of hostages Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher in Gaza City. Analysis of aerial footage contradicts the ground-level videos that circulated widely on social media.
While viral videos showed what appeared to be large crowds surrounding the hostages during their transfer to Red Cross vehicles, overhead imagery revealed a significantly smaller gathering in a largely destroyed area.
Hamas also deliberately chose to conduct the handover amid what seemed to be an uncontrolled crowd, with Palestinians climbing onto vehicles and pressing close to the three Israeli women. This created an atmosphere of danger and chaos that was broadcast to millions of anxious viewers in Israel.
The three hostages are now in hospital undergoing medical checks and spending time with their families after more than 470 days of hellish captivity in Gaza. Experts predict that they will need to undergo a lengthy periiod of rehabilitation before they can rebuild their lives.
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