The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Sunday initiated targeted strikes in Rafah to neutralise the threat and destroy tunnel shafts and military structures used for terrorist activity. This was in response to the attack launched by terrorists on IDF troops operating in the Rafah area of southern Gaza, where forces were engaged in dismantling terrorist infrastructure in accordance with the ceasefire agreement.
Israel Accuses Hamas of Ceasefire Breach
Israel has accused Hamas of ‘blatant violation’ of ceasefire and maintained that the IDF will continue to take firm action to protect its forces and ensure security in the region. In a post on X, the IDF stated, “Earlier today, terrorists fired an anti-tank missile and gunfire toward IDF troops operating to dismantle terrorist infrastructure in the Rafah area, in southern Gaza, in accordance with the ceasefire agreement. In response, the IDF has begun striking in the area to eliminate the threat and dismantle tunnel shafts and military structures used for terrorist activity. These terrorist actions constitute a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement, and the IDF will respond firmly.”
⭕️ Earlier today, terrorists fired an anti-tank missile and gunfire toward IDF troops operating to dismantle terrorist infrastructure in the Rafah area, in southern Gaza, in accordance with the ceasefire agreement.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 19, 2025
In response, the IDF has begun striking in the area to eliminate…
Hamas Responds
While Israel has accused Hamas of violating ceasefire, Hamas responded that it “remains committed to the ceasefire agreement”, and accused Israel of “violating the deal and fabricating pretexts to justify its crimes,” as reported by BBC.
Hamas Hands Over Coffins Of Two Hostages From Gaza
Earlier on Sunday, Hamas handed over two coffins of deceased hostages from the Gaza Strip. This move marked a sombre development in the ongoing ceasefire talks. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) shared a series of posts on X, saying the remains were received via the Red Cross and the coffins were transferred to Israeli authorities. The remains will first be honoured in a military ceremony led by the IDF Chief Rabbi, and then they will be sent to Tel Aviv’s National Centre of Forensic Medicine for identification.
“Israel has received, via the Red Cross, 2 coffins containing the remains of deceased hostages, which were handed over to an IDF & ISA force inside Gaza Strip,” PMO stated in its post. The remains will be transferred to Israel, where they will be received in a military ceremony led by the IDF Chief Rabbi. They will then be transferred to the Health Ministry National Center of Forensic Medicine. Upon completion of the identification process, formal notification will be delivered to the families,” Israel PMO stated.
