Israeli Military Launches Attacks on Gaza, Ceasefire Under Strain
Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire in Gaza threaten the fragile U.S.-brokered ceasefire, with both Israel and Hamas accusing each other of violations. Rafah crossing remains closed, and humanitarian aid continues to be critical.
Israeli Military Launches Attacks on Gaza, Ceasefire Under Strain
JERUSALEM/CAIRO, Oct 19 — The Israeli military launched airstrikes and artillery fire at targets in southern Gaza on Sunday, raising doubts over the durability of a fragile U.S.-mediated ceasefire that began on October 11.
Israel said the strikes targeted militants in Rafah who had fired on Israeli soldiers, destroying tunnels and military facilities. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Israel would respond forcefully to any attacks on its forces.
Hamas’ armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, stated it remained committed to the ceasefire and was unaware of clashes in Rafah. Meanwhile, Palestinian witnesses reported explosions and gunfire in Rafah, tank fire in Abassan near Khan Younis, and airstrikes in Zawayda and Deir Al-Balah, killing at least five people. Gaza’s health ministry reported at least eight deaths in the last 24 hours due to Israeli attacks.
The Israeli government and Hamas have repeatedly accused each other of ceasefire violations. Israel announced that the Rafah border crossing with Egypt will remain closed until Hamas returns all remaining bodies of deceased hostages. So far, Hamas has returned 20 living hostages and 12 deceased.
The ceasefire also includes humanitarian aid access, which remains critical as hundreds of thousands in Gaza face famine. Key unresolved issues — including Hamas disarming, governance of Gaza, and the formation of an international stabilization force — continue to challenge the U.S. peace plan.
Renewed fighting has also affected markets, with Tel Aviv share indices dropping nearly 2% on Sunday.
