Israeli Airstrikes Kill Nine in Gaza, Testing Fragile Ceasefire

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on October 28, 2025, resulted in the deaths of at least nine people, marking a significant escalation in violence amid a fragile ceasefire. The strikes followed accusations from Israel that the militant group Hamas had violated the ceasefire agreement, which was brokered earlier this month by U.S. President Donald Trump. According to local health authorities, four fatalities occurred in the Sabra neighborhood of Gaza City, while five individuals were killed in a targeted car strike in Khan Younis.

The Israeli military has not yet commented on the specifics of the strikes. An official from the military stated that Hamas had committed a “blatant violation” of the ceasefire by allegedly launching an attack against Israeli forces in a region under Israeli control. This latest round of violence comes just weeks after the U.S.-backed ceasefire went into effect on October 10, 2023, following two years of conflict that began with deadly Hamas-led assaults on Israel.

Escalation in Gaza and Ceasefire Violations

Violence has surged as both sides trade accusations over ceasefire breaches. Earlier on the same day, Israeli media reported an exchange of fire between Israeli forces and Hamas fighters in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. Hamas denied responsibility for the reported attack on Israeli forces. The group reiterated its commitment to the ceasefire deal, despite ongoing tensions.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that Hamas had violated the ceasefire by mishandling the return of hostages’ remains, specifically citing the case of Ofir Tzarfati, an Israeli killed during the October 7, 2023, attacks. Tzarfati’s remains had already been retrieved by Israeli forces during earlier military operations. Hamas initially promised to return the body of a missing hostage found in a tunnel but later postponed this handover, citing Israel’s alleged ceasefire violations.

Under the terms of the ceasefire, Hamas agreed to release all living hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and wartime detainees, with Israel agreeing to withdraw its troops and halt offensive operations. The return of deceased hostages’ remains has become a contentious issue, with both sides accusing each other of failing to adhere to their commitments.

Human Impact and International Reactions

The humanitarian toll of the conflict has been devastating. According to Gaza health authorities, approximately 68,000 people have been confirmed killed since the outbreak of violence, with thousands more reported missing. The Israeli military initiated the war following the October 7, 2023, attack, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 individuals in Israel and the abduction of 251 hostages.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance, during a recent visit to Israel, asserted that despite the recent violence, “the ceasefire is holding,” although acknowledging the potential for minor skirmishes. He emphasized that the administration remains hopeful for a lasting peace despite ongoing tensions.

The recent airstrikes and subsequent violence have drawn international scrutiny, with the White House yet to comment on whether Israel informed U.S. officials prior to the strikes. As the situation evolves, the focus remains on the fragile ceasefire and the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, where recovery efforts continue amid the ruins of conflict.

Heavy machinery has recently arrived from Egypt to assist in the search for deceased hostages, with reports of excavations occurring in Khan Younis and other areas. Witnesses described scenes of digging near known tunnel sites, where some bodies are believed to be located. The situation remains fluid, and both sides are under increasing pressure to adhere to ceasefire terms as the international community watches closely.