The Israeli military launched a series of strikes on Gaza on Sunday, marking the most significant breach of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire that took effect on October 11. The escalation has cast doubt on prospects for sustained peace in the enclave, as both Israel and Hamas continue to trade accusations of violating the truce.
According to Israeli military officials, Hamas fighters carried out multiple attacks against Israeli forces within Gaza, including a rocket-propelled grenade and sniper fire targeting soldiers in areas under Israeli control. โBoth incidents occurred in an Israeli-controlled zoneโฆ This is a bold violation of the ceasefire,โ an official stated.
In response, Israeli forces launched airstrikes and artillery fire, reportedly targeting militant positions in the southern city of Rafah. Local health authorities in Gaza confirmed casualties, including at least two deaths in Jabalia in the north and additional fatalities in central Gaza.
Senior Hamas official Izzat Al Risheq denied responsibility for the attacks and reaffirmed the groupโs commitment to the ceasefire, accusing Israel of repeated violations. Neither side directly acknowledged the Israeli strikes in their official statements.
Gazaโs government media office reported 47 ceasefire violations by Israel since the agreement was enacted, resulting in 38 deaths and 143 injuries. The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt remains closed, with Israeli authorities stating it will not reopen โuntil further notice.โ Rafah has been largely shut since May 2024.
The ceasefire deal also includes provisions for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, where famine conditions were reported in August. However, aid delivery has been hampered by ongoing hostilities and border restrictions.
A separate dispute continues over the repatriation of hostage remains. Israel has demanded the return of all 28 deceased hostages. Hamas has returned 20 live hostages and 12 bodies, but claims that recovering the remaining corpses requires specialized equipment and effort due to rubble and destruction.
Efforts to implement President Trumpโs broader peace plan face significant hurdles. Key issues remain unresolved, including the disarmament of Hamas, the future governance of Gaza, the composition of a proposed international stabilization force, and steps toward establishing a Palestinian state.
The U.S. embassy in Jerusalem has not issued a statement regarding the latest developments.
