The Israeli military confirmed on Sunday, October 19, that the ceasefire in Gaza had resumed following an exchange of violence that left two Israeli soldiers and at least 26 Palestinians dead, including a woman and a child.
Israel launched a series of airstrikes across the enclave after militants fired an anti-tank missile and opened fire on its troops.
The military said its strikes targeted Hamas field commanders, gunmen, tunnels, and weapons depots, with at least one hitting a former school sheltering displaced families in Nuseirat.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he ordered the army to respond “forcefully” to what he described as Hamas’ violations of the ceasefire, while Hamas insisted it remained committed to the truce and was unaware of clashes in Rafah.
Aid deliveries into Gaza, briefly suspended after Israel accused Hamas of a “blatant” breach, are expected to resume Monday following US pressure, according to Israeli security officials.
The United States said it had received “credible reports” warning of an imminent Hamas violation of the ceasefire. Meanwhile, tensions mounted as residents in Khan Younis and Nuseirat fled renewed strikes, fearing a wider escalation.
The October 10 ceasefire, which ended two years of war, has been strained by mutual accusations of violations and disputes over the recovery of hostage bodies.
Israel says it has retrieved nine of 28 bodies held in Gaza, while Hamas claims it needs heavy equipment to recover the rest.
Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israel would mark the “yellow line” where its forces have withdrawn, warning that any breach would be met “with fire.”
Despite recent hostilities, Hamas has released all 20 living hostages and 12 of the 28 deceased captives. The group said it has “no interest” in retaining the remaining bodies.
The ceasefire also calls for a significant increase in humanitarian aid, particularly through the Rafah crossing, which remains largely closed since May 2024.
The UN has warned that far more assistance is urgently needed to address the famine conditions affecting hundreds of thousands of Palestinians.
Source: ABC.
