Ceasefire Under Strain: Deadly Clashes Erupt Between Israel and Hamas

Mon Oct 20 2025 20:07:50 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas faces significant challenges following intense clashes that led to casualties and raised concerns about escalating violence in Gaza.

A week after a tense ceasefire was brokered, the situation in Gaza has deteriorated sharply with Israel launching retaliatory strikes following an attack attributed to Hamas. This escalation indicates the tenuous nature of the current truce, emphasizing the urgent need for diplomatic interventions to stabilize the region and address the underlying issues. Amid rising tensions, both sides are under pressure as the conflict shows no signs of resolution, complicating the peace process initiated by recent US interventions.

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 an attack it blamed on Hamas. An Israeli security official announced the suspension of aid deliveries.

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.

Palestinians and Israelis have been shaken by the latest breakdown.

Shadi Abu Obeid told the BBC in Khan Younis as he fought back tears at the funeral of his 14-year-old son Mohammed, who was killed by an Israeli strike. From the start of the war I was with him 24 hours a day, I never left him. Because of the ceasefire, I was a bit more relaxed and let him go out with his friends. It was quiet and there were meant to be international guarantees. The IDF has reported at least 45 Palestinians dead from the latest strikes, amid claims of targeting Hamas militants but with civilians also caught in the crossfire.

Israel has not explicitly responded to the claims of collateral damage, indicating a strategic focus on military objectives while balancing international scrutiny. The ongoing violence underscores the challenges of maintaining the fragile ceasefire, with both sides trading accusations of violating the terms.

Diplomatic efforts are expected to ramp up as special envoys from the US return to the region to engage in discussions aimed at mediating a longer-term solution, amid widespread uncertainty about the feasibility of achieving substantial peace.