On October 10, Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire in Gaza, pausing the two-year-long conflict. But with the hostage exchange concluded, the truce now faces renewed challenges. The broader conflict has taken a devastating toll since October 7, 2023
Palestinian officials report that the Israeli army has carried out 47 violations of the ceasefire since it came into effect earlier this month. Representational Image/File pic
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) carried out air strikes in the Rafah area of southern Gaza on Sunday, following reports that "terrorists" had targeted its troops.
"Earlier today, terrorists fired an anti-tank missile and gunfire toward IDF troops operating to dismantle terrorist infrastructure in the Rafah area, in southern Gaza, in accordance with the ceasefire agreement," IDF said in a post on social media platform X.
⭕️ Earlier today, terrorists fired an anti-tank missile and gunfire toward IDF troops operating to dismantle terrorist infrastructure in the Rafah area, in southern Gaza, in accordance with the ceasefire agreement.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 19, 2025
In response, the IDF has begun striking in the area to eliminate…
The military added that it had responded by striking the area to "eliminate the threat and dismantle tunnel shafts and military structures used for terrorist activity".
"These terrorist actions constitute a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement, and the IDF will respond firmly," the statement said.
In response to the escalation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a meeting with the defence minister and senior security officials, following reports that Hamas had violated the ceasefire on Sunday, news agency ANI reported.
"Following the violation of the ceasefire by Hamas, Prime Minister Netanyahu held a consultation with the Defense Minister and the heads of the security establishment and directed that strong action be taken against terrorist targets in the Gaza Strip," the Prime Minister's Office said.
Palestinian officials report that the Israeli army has carried out 47 violations of the ceasefire since it came into effect earlier this month, resulting in 38 deaths and 143 injuries, ANI reported, citing Al Jazeera.
On October 10, Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire in Gaza, bringing the two-year-long conflict to an end. However, with the hostage exchange ending, the truce now faces renewed challenges.
The conflict has taken a devastating toll since October 7, 2023. Israeli military operations in Gaza have killed at least 68,116 people and wounded 1,70,200 more, while in Israel, 1,139 people were killed during the October 7 attacks, with over 200 taken captive.
Against this backdrop, Netanyahu ordered the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt to remain closed "until further notice," linking the decision to Hamas’ handling of the bodies of Israeli hostages.
The Rafah crossing, the only exit from Gaza not directly controlled by Israel, is a crucial humanitarian and logistical lifeline for residents of the enclave. Its periodic closures highlight the complex political and security conditions in the region.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, "PM Netanyahu instructed that the Rafah border crossing will not open until further notice. Its opening will be under consideration in accordance with the manner in which Hamas implements its part in return for the deceased hostages and implementation of the agreed-upon framework."
Earlier, the Palestinian Embassy in Cairo had announced that the Rafah crossing would reopen on Monday, October 20, after coordination with Egyptian authorities to allow Palestinian citizens residing in Egypt to return to Gaza. The embassy added that further logistical details regarding gathering points and departure times would be communicated directly to those affected.
Meanwhile, Hamas handed over the bodies of two more captives to Israel. The IDF confirmed that the coffins were transferred into Red Cross custody and are on their way to Israeli personnel in Gaza, adding that Hamas is required to return all remaining hostages under the agreement.
Amid ongoing tensions, Hamas accused Netanyahu of using "flimsy pretexts to disrupt" the ceasefire deal, while protesters in Tel Aviv rallied, demanding that the government secure the return of all remains of hostages from Gaza.
(With ANI inputs)
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