The Israeli Air Force conducted airstrikes on targets in the Rafah area of the southern Gaza Strip this morning, October 19th, 2025, between 7:35 AM and 8:35 AM UTC, following a reported ceasefire violation by Hamas involving an anti-tank missile attack on an IDF engineering vehicle. Israeli media reported the strikes occurred after an exchange of fire between militants and the army, with multiple aircraft engaging terror targets. According to Israeli media reports, the incident began with terrorists firing an anti-tank missile at an IDF engineering vehicle in the Rafah area, with suspicions of snipers also targeting forces. Hillel Biton Rosen reported a preliminary explosion on an IDF engineering tool in Rafah, stating that terrorists may have fired an anti-tank missile or detonated an explosive device, leading to IDF forces being dispatched to the scene. The United States Department of State also issued a statement this morning, informing guarantor nations of credible reports indicating an imminent ceasefire violation by Hamas against the people of Gaza. The US and other guarantors demanded Hamas uphold its obligations and warned that measures would be taken to protect civilians and preserve the ceasefire should Hamas proceed with its planned attack. In response to the alleged ceasefire violation, the IDF is currently attacking the Gaza Strip, with vigorous activity of the Air Force reported in the skies over Gaza in the last few minutes within the reporting window. Prime Minister Netanyahu, Defense Minister Katz, and military officials were engaged in a telephone assessment of the situation regarding the nature of the response to the violations. Nitzan Shapira reported that another abducted individual, previously held by Hamas, has been identified, though their name has not yet been released. Separately, Hillel Biton Rosen also reported that IDF forces from the Givati Brigade eliminated two terrorists in the Jabaliya region who had penetrated beyond the 'yellow line'.
