In response to the attack, Israel launched a large-scale wave of airstrikes against Hamas and Hamas-affiliated sites throughout the Gaza Strip. The attack occurred during the reporting window of 1:31 AM to 2:31 AM UTC on October 20th, 2025. The identities of the injured soldiers have not yet been released. The incident follows a period of heightened tensions in the region. Previous reports from the past hour noted that special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner had returned to the region to address a strained ceasefire, a mission permitted by President Donald Trump to allow direct communication with Hamas. This diplomatic effort aimed to prevent the unraveling of a peace plan, less than a week after the return of 20 Israeli hostages. Earlier reports from October 20th, 2025, also detailed mourning in Beit Lahia for several young individuals killed during a confrontation with the Israeli army. The deceased were identified as Mujahid Muhammad Khamis Hamouda, Mujahid Moaz Basil Khamis Hamouda, Ibrahim Al-Zein, and Mustafa Abu Ajina. Additionally, previous reports mentioned shooting incidents east of Khan Yunis and the detention of 122 individuals attempting to infiltrate from the Hebron region towards the interior of the country in the Lakish area by Israeli forces.
