Israel Launches “Powerful Strikes” on Gaza After Netanyahu’s Orders Amid Fragile Ceasefire

The already fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has crumbled once more as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to launch “immediate and powerful strikes” on the Gaza Strip late Monday night.
The strikes come amid allegations from Israel that Hamas breached the truce by launching attacks on Israeli troops inside Gaza.

According to BBC, The Hindu, and Reuters, Israeli air raids targeted several areas across Gaza City, including regions near Shifa Hospital and Rafah, in what the government described as “retaliatory precision strikes.”

Israel’s Response: “Forceful Strikes” Ordered

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on X (formerly Twitter) after a late-night security consultation that he had instructed the military to launch “forceful and immediate strikes” on the Gaza Strip.

“Following security consultations, Prime Minister Netanyahu has directed the military to immediately carry out forceful strikes in the Gaza Strip.”
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM), 28 Oct 2025, 9:51 PM (local time)

The Israeli government stated that the move was in direct response to Hamas’s violation of the US-backed ceasefire, accusing the militant group of attacking Israeli soldiers in northern Gaza.

According to The Times of Israel and NDTV, the strikes are also linked to the return of a deceased hostage’s body, which Israel claims Hamas had held since last year’s conflict.

Civilian Casualties and Humanitarian Impact

Reports from BBC, Al Jazeera, and The Guardian suggest that the recent airstrikes have caused significant civilian casualties, with Gaza’s civil defense authority confirming at least 30 deaths so far.

The UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) issued a statement noting that while it has resumed health and education services in Gaza City amid “relative calm,” the new wave of bombings threatens humanitarian recovery efforts.

“Explosive hazards continue to endanger civilians. The situation in Gaza and the West Bank remains highly volatile.”
— UNRWA, 28 Oct 2025, via X

Local hospitals, including Shifa and Al-Quds, have reported an influx of injured civilians, many of whom are women and children. Daily Sabah reported that at least nine Palestinians were killed in the initial rounds of strikes, with the number steadily rising through the night.

Hamas Denies Responsibility for Truce Breach

In response to Israel’s accusations, Hamas officials issued a statement denying any role in the alleged attacks on IDF troops.

“Hamas is committed to the ceasefire agreement and has not engaged in any offensive activity. Israel’s aggression is unprovoked and a clear violation of the truce terms.”
— Hamas Spokesperson (via Al Jazeera, 28 Oct 2025)

Hamas also accused Israel of using the hostage issue as a pretext for resuming large-scale attacks in Gaza, claiming the remains returned through the Red Cross were of a hostage who had died months earlier during the conflict.

International Reactions: US Notified, Global Concern Grows

According to CNBC TV18 and Bloomberg, Israeli officials notified the United States prior to launching the new offensive. Washington has reportedly urged “restraint” and a “measured approach” to prevent further escalation.

Meanwhile, the United Nations has expressed “deep concern” over the renewed violence. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for both sides to respect the ceasefire framework negotiated earlier this month.

The European Union and Arab League have also condemned the attacks, warning that another round of full-scale conflict could devastate Gaza’s already fragile infrastructure.

Background: Ceasefire Under Pressure

The truce, brokered in mid-October by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, was meant to end months of hostilities that have left thousands dead and much of Gaza in ruins.

However, tensions had been building over Israel’s demand for the return of 13 hostages’ bodies reportedly held by Hamas. Israel’s Foreign Minister Gidon Saar reiterated this stance on X:

“The struggle is not over yet. Hamas still holds 13 of our dead hostages. Hamas must immediately return all the bodies it holds.”
— Gidon Saar, Israel FM (@IsraelMFA), 27 Oct 2025

Ground Reports: Heavy Blasts Across Gaza City

Eyewitnesses reported multiple explosions in Gaza City through the night, particularly in Rafah, Beit Hanoun, and central Gaza. According to Sky News and Haaretz, Israel targeted what it claimed were Hamas command centers and weapon depots.

Footage shared on social media platforms showed towering plumes of smoke rising above residential blocks as civilians scrambled to safety.

Political Fallout: Netanyahu Faces Pressure

Netanyahu’s decision to authorize renewed attacks comes amid mounting political and public pressure in Israel, with hardline members of his cabinet demanding a tougher response against Hamas.

According to The Financial Times, Netanyahu’s leadership has been under scrutiny following accusations that he has mishandled negotiations and truce management.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump, who has been actively involved in regional diplomacy since his return to office, has reportedly withdrawn U.S. support for the ceasefire, according to India.com.

What’s Next: Uncertain Future for Gaza and Israel

Analysts warn that this escalation could mark the end of the US-brokered truce and reopen a devastating chapter of war in the region.

The New York Times reported that Israeli officials are considering seizing parts of Gaza territory to “secure buffer zones,” a move likely to provoke international backlash.

Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to diplomatic dialogue.

As of this morning, IDF air operations continue, with no indication that Israel plans to halt the strikes soon.

Conclusion: A Fragile Peace Shattered Once Again

The renewed Israeli airstrikes on Gaza have shattered the fragile ceasefire that had brought temporary relief to both Israelis and Palestinians.
With over 30 reported dead, hundreds injured, and thousands displaced once more, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens by the hour.

While both sides exchange accusations, ordinary civilians continue to pay the highest price. The world now watches anxiously to see whether diplomacy can pull the region back from the brink — or if the Middle East is once again descending into prolonged chaos.