Gaza Escalation: Israel Launches Airstrikes After Hamas Accused of Ceasefire Breach

Just weeks after a crucial ceasefire agreement was finalized, the situation in the Gaza Strip dramatically worsened on October 28, 2025. Israeli airstrikes targeted several locations within the enclave, resulting in significant casualties. Local civil defense services reported that these attacks led to the deaths of at least 18 people and left numerous others injured. These military actions were initiated following an order from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for “immediate and powerful strikes” against Gaza. Netanyahu asserted that Hamas had violated the terms of the truce, which had been established on October 10, 2025.

The Israeli government provided specific details justifying the renewed aggression, citing a shooting incident that occurred near Rafah. Furthermore, Israel alleged that Hamas had breached the conditions governing the exchange of hostage remains. Israeli authorities claimed that Hamas had delivered partial remains of a hostage whose body had been recovered by Israeli forces approximately two years prior, rather than the bodies of individuals who had recently perished. In response, the military wing of Hamas, known as the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, maintained its commitment to the ceasefire but counter-accused Israel of violating the agreed-upon terms. Consequently, the Brigades postponed the planned handover of another hostage’s remains. Reports confirmed that the strikes impacted the Sabra area, the Al-Shati refugee camp, and a school situated in Beit Lahia.

By October 29, the reported death toll had climbed significantly. The television network Al Arabiya stated that 65 people had been killed, a figure that included more than 20 children, while other news sources placed the minimum number of fatalities at 30. Amidst this sharp escalation, US President Donald Trump publicly defended Israel's actions, declaring the retaliatory strikes legitimate because Israel “must have responded to the killing of its soldier.” However, Trump stressed that the overall ceasefire agreement would remain intact. Intriguingly, sources indicated that Prime Minister Netanyahu had not coordinated his decision to resume the strikes with President Trump, despite initially intending to do so.

The ceasefire, which had taken effect on October 10, was brokered through the mediation efforts of the US, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, aiming to conclude a conflict that had spanned two years. The initial phase of the agreement involved a prisoner exchange: Hamas released 20 live hostages, and Israel, in turn, freed approximately 1718 prisoners from the Gaza sector and redeployed its troops to pre-agreed positions.

Prior to the renewed hostilities, UN Secretary-General António Guterres had repeatedly urged all parties to fully adhere to the cessation of violence and ensure unrestricted humanitarian access. Guterres had consistently highlighted the extreme severity of the humanitarian crisis gripping Gaza, emphasizing the critical need for sustained peace and aid delivery to the affected population. The rapid collapse of the truce underscored the fragility of the diplomatic efforts and the persistent volatility in the region.