Gaza Ceasefire Tensions Between Israel and Hamas (October 2025)

Gaza Ceasefire on the Brink After Israeli Strikes Kill Over 100 Palestinians

The fragile ceasefire in Gaza has once again come under severe strain after a series of Israeli airstrikes killed more than 100 Palestinians, including dozens of children, following the death of an Israeli soldier in Rafah. The overnight strikes have triggered a wave of international concern, with world leaders urging restraint and a return to peace talks.

Israel insists that the ceasefire remains in place, despite carrying out what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described as “immediate powerful strikes” in response to Hamas attacks on Israeli troops.

Timeline of Events

October 28, 2025: Israeli Soldier Killed in Gaza

The latest escalation began when Master Sergeant (Res.) Yona Efraim Feldbaum, a 37-year-old reservist in the Combat Engineering Corps, was killed in southern Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) attributed his death to an attack by Hamas operatives in Rafah.

October 28 Night: Netanyahu Orders “Powerful Strikes”

Following security consultations, Netanyahu ordered the IDF to carry out “immediate and forceful strikes” on Gaza. The bombardments began within hours, targeting what Israel described as “Hamas and Islamic Jihad positions.”

October 29 Morning: Gaza Reports Heavy Casualties

According to the Gaza Health Ministry, over 104 Palestinians were killed, including 46 children, and hundreds more injured in what local officials called one of the deadliest nights since the ceasefire began.

October 29 Evening: UN and Global Reactions

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk condemned the strikes, saying he was “appalled” by reports of civilian casualties and reminded all parties that “the laws of war are clear — civilians must be protected.”
The United Nations, along with France, the UK, and the European Union, urged both sides to recommit to the ceasefire agreement.

Israel’s Position: Retaliation Under the Ceasefire Framework

The Israeli government maintains that the strikes were retaliatory and limited. A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office emphasized that “Israel continues to uphold the ceasefire but will not tolerate attacks on its soldiers.”

The IDF also confirmed that several senior Hamas and Islamic Jihad commanders were killed during the operation, including those allegedly linked to the death of the Israeli soldier.
Israeli officials clarified that the ceasefire remains valid but “conditional on Hamas’ compliance.”

Hamas Responds: ‘We Are Committed to the Ceasefire Despite Violations’

In response, Hamas spokespersons accused Israel of “flagrant violations” but stated that they would not retaliate immediately to avoid further escalation.
A statement released by Hamas read:

“We remain committed to the ceasefire terms brokered by international mediators, even as Israel continues to breach them through unjustified aggression.”

However, Hamas sources warned that continued Israeli actions could “force a reconsideration” of their current restraint.

Trump’s Statement: ‘Nothing Will Jeopardize the Ceasefire’

Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who played a key role in mediating the current truce, said that “nothing will jeopardize the Gaza ceasefire” and reiterated Israel’s right to respond if provoked.

In his words:

“If Hamas does not behave, Israel has every right to defend itself. But I am confident this ceasefire can hold if both sides act responsibly.”

Trump’s statement followed reports that Washington had urged Netanyahu’s government to show restraint while ensuring “no further loss of innocent life.”

International Condemnation and Humanitarian Crisis

The international community has reacted strongly to the developments:

• UN Rights Chief Volker Türk described the attacks as “appalling” and called for accountability and an independent investigation.

• France 24 and BBC reported that hospitals in Gaza are overwhelmed, with medical staff struggling to treat the influx of wounded civilians.

• Humanitarian agencies, including Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and the Red Crescent, have appealed for safe passage for aid convoys, warning that fuel shortages are crippling hospital operations.

The World Health Organization (WHO) also raised alarms over the humanitarian toll, emphasizing that renewed conflict could “reverse months of fragile stability.”

Analysis: Can the Ceasefire Survive?

Experts believe the situation remains volatile but recoverable.
According to Firstpost and Reuters, both Israel and Hamas have reaffirmed their commitment to the ceasefire under international mediation, though trust between the two remains minimal.

Challenges Ahead:

• Rebuilding Trust: Both sides accuse each other of violations, making future cooperation difficult.

• Civilian Safety: Each new strike deepens Gaza’s humanitarian suffering.

• Political Pressure: Netanyahu faces domestic pressure to appear strong, while Hamas is struggling to maintain legitimacy among Gazans.

As Sky News noted, “The rope of ceasefire is fraying, but not yet broken.”

What’s Next for Gaza and Israel?

The Israeli military announced that it would pause further strikes unless provoked again, while Hamas has called for international monitoring of ceasefire terms.
Mediation efforts are reportedly underway by Egypt and Qatar, with U.S. diplomats in close coordination.

However, analysts caution that even a single misstep — whether a rocket launch or a retaliatory raid — could reignite full-scale hostilities.

Global Reactions in Brief

Country/LeaderResponseUN (Volker Türk)Called for accountability, condemned civilian deathsDonald Trump (USA)Said nothing will jeopardize the ceasefire; backed Israel’s right to respondFranceUrged restraint, demanded humanitarian accessUKExpressed concern over civilian deaths and urged dialogueEgypt & QatarPushing for renewed truce enforcement

Conclusion: A Fragile Peace in Peril

The current Gaza ceasefire stands at a dangerous crossroads. While Israel and Hamas both claim to honor it, the death of over 100 Palestinians in a single night underscores just how tenuous this peace remains.
With international pressure mounting and regional diplomacy intensifying, the coming days will determine whether Gaza returns to a shaky calm — or slips once again into a cycle of violence.

The world watches closely, hoping that both sides choose restraint over retaliation.