US President Donald Trump has affirmed that the Gaza ceasefire remains in place despite deadly clashes, as Israel and Hamas accused each other of violations. The incident represents the most serious challenge to the truce since its inception over a week ago.
On October 19, 2025, Israeli airstrikes struck Gaza after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that Hamas militants attacked its troops in Rafah, killing two soldiers. Hospital sources in Gaza said at least 44 Palestinians were killed in the retaliatory strikes, marking the worst violence since the ceasefire began on October 10. The IDF stated it was responding to a “blatant violation” of the agreement, involving anti-tank missile and gunfire, and emphasized its commitment to protecting soldiers while dismantling Hamas infrastructure.
Hamas firmly denied any knowledge of the clashes, asserting that the Rafah area was under Israeli control and accusing Israel of fabricating pretexts to evade its responsibilities. The group reiterated its “full commitment” to the ceasefire but warned that Israeli actions could “push the situation toward a total collapse.” Both sides have traded accusations, with Israel highlighting delays in the return of hostage bodies, while Hamas cites difficulties in recovering remains from the rubble.
The ceasefire, brokered by the United States, involved the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and detainees under its first phase. So far, Hamas has returned 12 bodies of deceased hostages, but 16 remain in Gaza, fueling outrage in Israel over perceived delays. Hamas claims it requires time and heavy machinery to locate and excavate the bodies, underscoring the fragile trust between the parties amid the broader conflict.
US involvement has been central to managing the crisis, with President Trump commenting aboard Air Force One that the ceasefire is “still in place” and attributing any breaches to “some rebels within” Hamas rather than its leadership. He assured that the situation would be “handled toughly, but properly.” Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner arrived in Israel for meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to advance the 20-point peace plan, with Vice-President JD Vance expected to join and emphasize the US role in navigating the “hills and valleys” of the process.
Humanitarian efforts have been impacted, with Israel temporarily suspending aid deliveries through the Kerem Shalom and Kissufim crossings before resuming them on Monday under US pressure. The Rafah crossing with Egypt remains closed to people, exacerbating conditions for displaced Gazans who rely on aid amid famine declarations in some areas. Reconstruction estimates by Witkoff suggest $50 billion is needed, but continued violence threatens to undo progress and deepen the crisis, highlighting the urgent need for sustained diplomatic engagement to prevent a return to full-scale conflict.