The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported killing several Palestinian operatives in Gaza City's eastern Shejaiya neighborhood this afternoon, October 20th, 2025, after they crossed the "Yellow Line" and opened fire on troops. Separately, the IDF confirmed that the coffin believed to contain the body of a slain hostage, escorted by IDF forces, crossed into Israel a short time ago and is en route to the National Center for Forensic Medicine for identification. According to the IDF, the Palestinian operatives were identified crossing the Yellow Line in a manner that posed an "imminent threat" to soldiers. The operatives then fired on troops without causing injuries, at which point an Israeli Air Force drone was directed to strike and kill the gunmen. Palestinian media reported two individuals were killed in the incident. The coffin's journey to the National Center for Forensic Medicine is being accompanied by IDF representatives who are also supporting the family members of the abducted victim. The IDF has requested sensitivity and patience, asking the public to await official identification which will be provided to the families first. This afternoon's incident follows previous reports from earlier today, October 20th, 2025, where the Red Cross collected a casket believed to contain a slain hostage's body from Hamas in southern Gaza and was bringing it to IDF troops for a ceremony. The "Yellow Line" demarcation in Gaza, established by the IDF with physical markers, serves as a warning against violations of the current ceasefire terms and began yesterday, October 19th, 2025.
