Jerusalem (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Israel launched airstrikes in Gaza after accusing Hamas of violating the ceasefire, following attacks on Israeli forces in the Rafah and Khan Younis areas.
As reported by The Sky News, Israeli troops conducted an attack in Gaza after alleged ceasefire breaches by the militant group Hamas.
How did clashes in Rafah lead to Israeli retaliation?
According to The Times of Israel, the Israel Defence Forces faced gunfire in Rafah, southern Gaza, prompting the IDF to respond with airstrikes.
A military official claimed Hamas launched “multiple attacks” on Israeli forces beyond the yellow line, describing the actions as a “clear breach of the ceasefire.”
The official added,
“The attacks included an RPG shot at a military force, and a sniper fire against a military force.”
A Hamas official responded that the group is “committed to the ceasefire agreement.”
The IDF said air force fighter jets started
“striking in the area to eliminate the threat and dismantle tunnel shafts and military structures used for terrorist activity.”
It added,
“These terrorist actions constitute a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement, and the IDF will respond firmly.”
What did Gaza officials say about the ongoing Israeli attacks?
According to the Gaza media office, Israel has breached the Hamas ceasefire 47 times since early October, killing 38 Palestinians and injuring 143.
The statement said,
“These violations have included crimes of direct gunfire against civilians, deliberate shelling and targeting, and the arrest of a number of civilians, reflecting the occupation’s continued policy of aggression despite the declared end of the war.”
Officials in Gaza called on
“the United Nations and the guarantor parties of the agreement to intervene urgently to compel the occupation to end its ongoing aggression and to protect unarmed civilian populations.”
What did Benjamin Netanyahu say about reopening the Rafah crossing?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Rafah crossing will stay closed until Hamas returns the remains of all deceased hostages held in Gaza.
A statement from Mr Netanyahu’s office added,
“Prime Minister Netanyahu has directed that the Rafah crossing remain closed until further notice. Its reopening will be considered based on how Hamas fulfils its obligations to return the hostages and the bodies of the deceased, and to implement the agreed-upon terms.”
Mr Netanyahu’s office confirmed on Saturday that the body of a deceased hostage, identified as Eaine Cae, has been returned. He also announced plans to run in next year’s elections.
What did the US State Department say about ceasefire violations?
The US State Department has warned that Hamas is planning an “imminent” attack on Gaza civilians, which would breach the ceasefire.
It stated,
“This planned attack against Palestinian civilians would constitute a direct and grave violation of the ceasefire agreement and undermine the significant progress achieved through mediation efforts. The guarantors demand Hamas uphold its obligations under the ceasefire terms.”
What did Tom Fletcher post on X about Gaza?
UN relief chief Tom Fletcher posted videos on social media showing extensive damage in Khan Younis following Israel’s military strikes in southern Gaza.
He called Gaza’s destruction “staggering,” saying,
“Nothing prepares you for Gaza – the scale of destruction, the density of loss, the quiet resilience in people’s eyes.”
Mr Fletcher said that despite the ceasefire,
“every inch tells a story of loss … Gaza is a wasteland, roads blocked with rubble,” adding, “We owe it to those who have endured so much to move beyond the cycle of cruelty, terror and revenge.”
Driving on the road from Gaza City to Khan Younis yesterday. pic.twitter.com/gDGGIm5VM1
— Tom Fletcher (@UNReliefChief) October 19, 2025
How do Israel’s actions impact Gaza and Lebanon amid the ceasefire?
Israel handed over 15 more Palestinian bodies to Gaza, bringing the total to 135. Medical staff in Khan Younis reported signs of torture and execution, including blindfolds and gunshot wounds to the head.
One week into the ceasefire, Gaza continues to face severe shortages of aid, with humanitarian agencies warning that Israel is delaying the entry of food convoys.
Palestinians residing in Egypt who wish to return to Gaza will be able to travel via the Rafah crossing starting Monday, the embassy announced.
The Lebanese health ministry reported that an Israeli strike on a construction vehicle in southern Lebanon killed a man.
What did Keir Starmer say about the peace plan at the summit?
British Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, said,
“We stand determined to seize this opportunity to deliver a lasting peace, and a stable, secure future for the whole region.”
He added,
“The UK will support the next stage of talks to ensure the full implementation of the peace plan, so that people on both sides can rebuild their lives in safety and security. At the summit, attendees will also discuss how best to mobilise private sector resources to address the scale of reconstruction required, after more than two years of conflict have damaged or destroyed 92% of homes.”
What did Yvette Cooper say about Gaza’s recovery and reconstruction?
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stated,
“The UK has worked intensively with international partners in recent months to create the momentum that has led to President Trump’s peace initiative, and to support the ceasefire that is now in place, but we now need to work with the same intensity and urgency to develop a plan for Gaza’s recovery and reconstruction.”
She said,
“Gaza has been completely devastated. The ceasefire gives us the opportunity not just to urgently scale up humanitarian efforts but also to look to the future of Gaza’s recovery. Rubble must be cleared, infrastructure repaired, healthcare restored and homes rebuilt.”
Ms Cooper stated,
“UK support delivered through UNICEF, the WFP and the NRC will help towards immediate humanitarian needs. Long-term recovery must be Palestinian-led but broad public and private investment will be needed to deliver the scale of reconstruction necessary.”
She added,
“The UK will also play a crucial part in that process, convening different parties as we are doing today with Egypt and bringing in expertise, experience and investment from the City of London to support reconstruction.”
Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan
US President Donald Trump’s plan’s first phase required the release of all remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Israel releasing 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and 1,700 Gazans detained after October 7.
The plan proposes a temporary technocratic committee under a “Board of Peace” chaired by Mr Trump. It also calls for a gradual Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, to be replaced by a temporary International Stabilisation Force composed of troops from regional and Muslim nations.