Israel launched fresh airstrikes on Gaza, accusing Hamas of targeting its soldiers operating in Rafah. The airstrikes come within a week of a fragile peace plan mediated by US President Donald Trump.
According to reports, 11 people have died in Sunday's airstrikes, while Hamas denied knowledge of any fighting in Rafah. Israel Defence Forces said multiple airstrikes were launched on Sunday in retaliation for Hamas militants' attack on Israeli soldiers in Rafah, a region still under its control.
In response to the blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement earlier today, the IDF has begun a series of strikes against Hamas terror targets in the southern Gaza.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 19, 2025
"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. In response, the IDF has begun striking in the area to eliminate the threat and dismantle tunnel shafts and military structures used for terrorist activity," IDF said.
It added, "These terrorist actions constitute a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement, and the IDF will respond firmly."
A senior Israeli military official said that it could launch further strikes against Hamas, in retaliation for at least three attacks on Israeli troops on Sunday, Reuters reported.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly directed the military to retaliate strongly to ceasefire violations. However, he did not threaten war. Earlier, Netanyahu held consultations with security heads over the prevailing situation.
Meanwhile, Israel threatened to keep the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt closed until further notice. The statement by Netanyahu's office said reopening Rafah would depend on how Hamas fulfils its ceasefire role of returning the remains of all 28 deceased hostages.
Earlier on Sunday, Hamas rejected US claims that it is planning an attack on civilians in Gaza. The US State Department claimed it had "credible reports" of imminent ceasefire violation by Hamas. "Should Hamas proceed with this attack, measures will be taken to protect the people of Gaza and preserve the integrity of the ceasefire," it said.
In a statement, Hamas denied the charges and said, "The US allegations are false and fully align with the misleading Israeli propaganda and provide cover for the continuation of the occupation’s crimes and organised aggression against our people in Gaza.”
