Recent Violence Highlights Fragility of Gaza Ceasefire

Tue Oct 21 2025 14:26:25 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The ceasefire negotiated between Israel and Hamas faces a significant test as deadly violence erupts following Israeli airstrikes that killed many Gazans, raising concerns over the future of peace efforts.

Days after a fragile ceasefire was established, tensions escalated with Israel launching airstrikes in retaliation to an attack that resulted in the death of two soldiers. The violent events have reignited fears over the stability of the truce and the future of peace negotiations, prompting discussions among international mediators.

One week ago, US President Donald Trump was given a hero's welcome in Israel after securing the Gaza ceasefire and exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners.

But the days since have shown just how precarious the ceasefire is, and Sunday brought its biggest test so far.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a series of deadly strikes across Gaza, after two soldiers were killed in the southern city of Rafah in an attack it blamed on Hamas. Hamas said it was not responsible because it had not had contact with fighters in the area since communications were cut off in March.

An Israeli security official announced the suspension of aid deliveries as a result of the attack.

It appears US pressure ensured the truce was not derailed and that Israel's crossings with Gaza reopened on Monday. Now it is clear mediators must stay closely involved to shore up the deal and settle key issues on the future of Gaza and Hamas.

Already, the president's special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are back in the region while Hamas negotiators are meeting Egyptian mediators and Palestinian factions in Cairo.

All are expected to discuss the second phase of Trump's 20-point peace plan, which involves deploying an international stabilisation force in Gaza, the eventual withdrawal of the IDF and critically, the disarmament of Hamas.

Palestinians and Israelis have been shaken by the latest breakdown.

From the start of the war I was with him 24 hours a day, I never left him, bereaved father, Shadi Abu Obeid told the BBC in Khan Younis as he fought back tears at the funeral of his 14-year-old son Mohammed early on Monday.

At least 45 Palestinians were killed, local hospitals say, after the IDF said it struck dozens of Hamas terror targets throughout the Gaza Strip. The BBC understands that several members of Hamas's armed wing, including a commander, were killed in a strike on a makeshift café in central Gaza.

Tough rhetoric and domestic pressure on Netanyahu are now anticipated as Israel's parliament begins its winter session, and with an internal election due within the prime minister's Likud party.

Netanyahu directed the military to take strong action against breaches of the deal, but refrained from threatening a return to war. Meanwhile, Witkoff and Kushner are expected to go on to further meetings in Cairo. There are significant obstacles to overcome before there can be more celebrations over the Gaza ceasefire.