As of October 20, 2025, the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has been severely tested by renewed violence, casting doubt on the prospects for lasting peace in Gaza.

Escalation of Hostilities

On October 19, Israeli airstrikes targeted multiple sites across Gaza, resulting in at least 45 Palestinian deaths. The Israeli military claimed these strikes were in retaliation for Hamas attacks that killed two Israeli soldiers in Rafah. However, Hamas denied involvement, stating it had lost contact with fighters in that area
The Washington Post
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In response to the escalation, Israel temporarily halted humanitarian aid deliveries into Gaza, citing violations of the ceasefire agreement. Despite this, U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump and envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, have indicated that the ceasefire remains in effect, though its stability is increasingly uncertain
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Violations and Casualties

Since the ceasefire commenced on October 10, Gaza’s media office reports that Israel has violated the truce 80 times, resulting in 97 Palestinian deaths and 230 injuries. These violations include direct gunfire, shelling, and arrests. A particularly deadly incident occurred when Israeli forces killed 11 members of a Palestinian family, including seven children and three women, for allegedly crossing a “yellow line” without clear physical markers
The Guardian
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Humanitarian Impact

The ongoing hostilities have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The closure of the Rafah border crossing and the suspension of aid deliveries have led to severe shortages of food, medicine, and other essential supplies. Palestinian authorities estimate that approximately 10,000 bodies remain trapped under an estimated 60 million tonnes of rubble, complicating recovery efforts
The Guardian
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International Response

The international community has expressed concern over the renewed violence. The United Nations and various human rights organizations have called for an immediate return to the ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access. U.S. envoys are actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to stabilize the situation, though achieving a lasting resolution remains challenging
AP News
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Conclusion

The recent escalation underscores the fragility of the ceasefire and the urgent need for renewed diplomatic efforts to address the underlying issues fueling the conflict. Without sustained international pressure and meaningful dialogue, the prospects for lasting peace in Gaza remain uncertain.