Ceasefire in Jeopardy as Israel Launches Fresh Strikes on Gaza

 

By Oriontimes News Desk

October 20, 2025 | Middle East Desk

A renewed wave of Israeli airstrikes has hit southern Gaza, leaving at least 26 people dead, despite the ongoing ceasefire agreement aimed at ending months of hostilities.

According to reports from Reuters and AP News, the Israeli military said the strikes targeted “Hamas-linked positions” in Rafah after militants allegedly fired anti-tank missiles and small arms at Israeli troops stationed within the designated ceasefire zone.

Hamas has denied the accusation, insisting it had no role in any attack and accusing Israel of using the claims as a pretext to continue what it called “systematic violations” of the truce.

The strikes, which destroyed several residential buildings, killed and injured dozens, including women and children further deepening Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. Hospitals in the enclave, already strained by months of war, are reportedly overwhelmed.

Following international backlash, Israel announced late Sunday that it would “resume implementation” of the ceasefire and reopen aid routes into Gaza starting Monday. Humanitarian organizations, however, warn that renewed bombings could unravel fragile peace efforts brokered by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar.

Observers say the ceasefire which only took effect earlier this month is hanging by a thread, with both sides trading blame over repeated violations. The Gaza media office claims Israel has breached the truce more than 40 times, while Tel Aviv insists it is merely responding to provocation.

Diplomats from Cairo and Washington are expected to meet this week to reinforce monitoring mechanisms and prevent the conflict from escalating further.

Meanwhile, residents of Gaza say they fear another full-scale war if the ceasefire collapses entirely. “We heard the word ‘ceasefire,’ but the bombs never stopped,” said Ahmed Al-Kurd, a resident of Rafah. “Every night, we just pray to wake up alive.”

Editor’s Note:

The renewed violence underscores the fragile nature of Middle East peace efforts and the urgent need for credible monitoring to prevent humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.