On October 28, 2025, Israel launched a series of powerful airstrikes on Gaza following accusations that Hamas violated the ceasefire agreement put in place earlier that month. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered immediate military action after Hamas allegedly fired on Israeli forces in areas under Gaza control and returned the remains of a deceased captive that Israel claimed did not belong to the individual initially reported.

The ceasefire, brokered by the United States and activated on October 10, aimed to de-escalate months of intense conflict that had severely impacted civilian populations on both sides. Israel insists the violations by Hamas undermine the fragile truce, making the retaliatory strikes necessary to maintain security and pressure the militant group.

According to Gaza’s Hamas-run Civil Defense and hospital officials, at least 33 Palestinians were killed in the strikes. The attacks targeted locations throughout Gaza City, including Rafah and Khan Younis in the south. Gaza interior ministry condemned the strikes but denied responsibility for any attacks on Israeli soldiers, calling the accusations “false and baseless.”

Netanyahu stated, “We cannot allow Hamas to continue these provocations. The military is instructed to respond decisively to any breach of the ceasefire.” Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said that members of terror groups fired from within civilian areas in Gaza and highlighted challenges in locating and identifying hostages’ remains due to Hamas’ restrictions.

International observers voiced concerns over the impact on civilians. United Nations officials cautioned about escalating violence hampering humanitarian aid delivery and worsening the already dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Israel’s tightened blockade and continued hostilities have caused shortages of food, medicine, and fuel, compounding misery for Gaza’s two million residents.

Analysts note the ceasefire’s fragile status, stressing that trust deficits and ongoing hostilities risk plunging the region back into full-scale conflict. Expert Michael Makovsky of the Jewish Institute for National Security of America said, “Both sides are under immense pressure domestically and internationally. Israel’s strikes are a signal to Hamas that ceasefire breaches will not be tolerated, but risks remain high.”

At press time, Netanyahu pledged to consider next steps carefully, emphasizing the need for security guarantees and the release of all hostages as preconditions to a sustained peace.