Escalation in Gaza Challenges Fragile Israel-Hamas Ceasefire

Tue Oct 21 2025 14:25:36 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A recent deadly flare-up in Gaza, marked by Israeli strikes after the killing of two soldiers, raises concerns over the stability of the ceasefire brokered by the US. Various actors, including Trump’s envoys, are back in the region to ensure the continuation of the truce amidst ongoing hostilities.

Following a deadly series of Israeli strikes in Gaza, triggered by an attack that claimed the lives of two Israeli soldiers, the fragile ceasefire established a week prior faces a significant test. Hamas denied responsibility for the attacks, complicating the truce's stability. Amidst rising casualties and tensions, US envoys are engaging in discussions to solidify the peace process, highlighting the urgent need for mediation and conflict resolution.

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 stabilization 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.

Shadi Abu Obeid told the BBC in Khan Younis that his fourteen-year-old son Mohammed was killed in an Israeli strike. Because of the ceasefire I was a bit more relaxed, and I let him go out with his friends, he mentioned, expressing his sorrow.

At least 45 Palestinians were killed, according to local hospitals, after the IDF struck dozens of Hamas terror targets throughout the Gaza Strip. Civilian victims, including children, were reportedly among the deaths.

Trump's special envoys, expected to meet Israeli leaders, had previously engaged directly with Hamas during ceasefire talks, marking a break in diplomatic protocol in an effort to ensure lasting peace.

A notable element of the ceasefire remains the unresolved fate of Hamas fighters and the need for stricter regulations to avoid future conflicts.

The latest escalation has raised new questions about the future of the fragile ceasefire and the ongoing efforts to establish a more stable region.