Israel Conducts Airstrikes in Gaza Following Ceasefire Violation Allegations

Israel launched airstrikes in southern Gaza on Sunday, October 19, 2025, following accusations that Hamas violated the ceasefire agreement. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that earlier in the day, militants fired an anti-tank missile and gunfire toward IDF troops operating in the Rafah area, constituting a "blatant violation" of the truce. In response, the IDF initiated strikes to eliminate the threat and dismantle tunnel shafts and military structures used for terrorist activity.

Hamas, however, denied the allegations, asserting its commitment to the ceasefire and accusing Israel of fabricating pretexts to justify its actions. Hamas official Izzat al-Rishq stated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's attempts to evade obligations come under pressure from his extremist coalition.

The airstrikes occurred five days after world leaders signed a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel. As part of the agreement, all living hostages have been released, along with 12 out of 28 deceased individuals. Israel also freed 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,718 detainees from Gaza. The bodies of 15 more Palestinians were handed over by Israel via the Red Cross to officials in Gaza on Sunday, bringing the total number of bodies received to 150.

Despite the ceasefire, tensions remain high. An Israeli military official confirmed that airstrikes were carried out on Hamas fighters following reported attacks by Hamas inside the area controlled by Israel. Under the terms of the ceasefire deal, Hamas is obliged to hand over its weapons and relinquish power, which it has yet to do. Hamas has accused Israel of funding and arming rival gangs to challenge its authority and foment chaos. Without a robust international force in Gaza, there is a real risk of further internecine fighting between Palestinian factions.

The ceasefire plan, initiated on October 10, 2025, includes Israeli troop withdrawals and the release of hostages and prisoners. Israeli troops are to withdraw to a line that leaves them in control of about 53% of the Strip, with further withdrawals planned in subsequent stages. Hundreds of lorries carrying humanitarian aid have also started entering Gaza, where a famine was confirmed by UN-backed experts in August.

Residents in Rafah reported several airstrikes and artillery shelling, with explosions shaking parts of the city. There were no immediate reports of casualties. The targeted area remains under Israeli military control, and rescue teams have been unable to reach the area due to the presence of Israeli troops.