The IDF[1] has confirmed it carried out strikes in southern Gaza[2] while accusing Hamas of a “blatant violation” of the fragile peace truce.
Israel’s military claimed Hamas “fired an anti-tank missile and gunfire toward IDF troops” in the Rafah area. The IDF said it responded by hitting the area to “eliminate the threat and dismantle tunnel shafts and military structures”.
Hamas has since accused Israel[3] of “violating the deal and fabricating pretexts to justify its crimes”.
Bodies of 15 more Palestinians handed back to Gaza
The Hamas-run Health Minsitry added that the bodies of 15 more Palestinians were handed back to Gaza from Israel, via the Red Cross.
This has brought the number of bodies recieved by Gazan officials to 150.
Thousands of Palestinians prisoners were relased by Israel to Gaza and the West Bank – after 20 alive hostages were brought back to Israel on Monday.
IDF troops still in Rafah after ceasefire
As part of the ceasefire agreement, Israeli agreed to move the IDF out of certain parts of Gaza with the aim that the military will move out to the border eventually.
Area like Gaza City and Khan Yunis have seen the IDF move out but the Israeli military is still in Rafah.
The IDF has accused Hamas of targetting its soldier in the southern Gaza area.
Hamas statement following strikes – in full
Hamas has said it was unaware of clashes in Rafah, before Israeli stikes hit the southern Gaza region.
The Hamas statement said: “We affirm our full commitment to implementing everything that was agreed upon, foremost among which is the ceasefire in all areas of the Gaza Strip.
“We are unaware of any events or clashes taking place in the Rafah area, as these are red zones under the control of the occupation. Contact with our remaining groups there has been cut off since the resumption of war in March of this year.
“We have no information as to whether they have been martyred or are still alive since that date. Therefore, we have no connection to any events taking place in those areas, and we cannot communicate with any of our fighters there, if any of them are still alive.”
Rafah crossing to stay closed, Netanyahu says
Benjamin Netanyahu, earlier today, said the Rafah crossing, between Gaza and Egypt, will remain closed until further notice.
The Israeli Prime Minister said the reopening of the crossing will depend on whether Hamas hands over the bodies of all dead hostages.
48 hostages remained in Gaza before the ceasefire was agreed. The 20 people who were alive were taken back to Israel and so far 13 of the 28 dead bodies have also been handed back.
Hamas said it will need specialist equipment to find the remains under the rubble of homes and buildings destroyed by deadly Isrseli airstrikes.
Netanyahu ordered ‘strong action to be taken’
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared a statement following the strikes in Gaza today.
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.
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) October 19, 2025[4]
How many people have died in the Gaza conflict?
The Hamas-run health ministry has said the death toll in Gaza since Israel’s campaign following October 7 has risen to 68,159 and 170,203 wounded.
Eight people killed in Gaza in 24 hours
The Hamas-run health ministry has said at leat seight people have been killed in Gaza in the last 24 hours.
It said these deaths were a direct reult of Israeli strikes on Gaza, as Israel and Hamas argue about which side violated the truce first.
The health ministrry said three people were also injured. It added that some of the victims are stuck under rubble and are yet to be recovered.
IDF confirms strikes in Gaza
The IDF in a statment said: “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.
“These terrorist actions constitute a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement, and the IDF will respond firmly.”