The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) conducted airstrikes on approximately 20 Hamas targets across Gaza between 11:34 AM and 12:34 PM UTC on October 19th, 2025, in response to multiple ceasefire violations. These violations included an explosion targeting an IDF engineering vehicle in Rafah, sniper fire, and the killing of two armed Palestinian suspects near the Jabalia border, according to an IDF statement and reports from the X account Osint613. Prime Minister Netanyahu consulted with the Minister of Defense and security chiefs, instructing a strong response against terrorist targets. Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Hamas would "pay a heavy price for every shooting and violation of the ceasefire," and that the IDF was instructed to act forcefully. The IDF reported that terrorists fired anti-tank missiles and opened fire at forces operating in the Rafah area, leading to airstrikes by fighter jets and artillery fire to destroy "several operational tunnels and military buildings where terrorist activity was identified." The IDF described these actions as a "blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement" and vowed to "respond with force." In a statement, Hamas claimed full commitment to the ceasefire and stated they had no knowledge of the events or clashes in the Rafah area, attributing this to a loss of contact with their groups there since March 2025. However, an Israeli official noted that they had no contact with pilots who carried out attacks and would check with them upon their return. Meanwhile, reports from the X account Osint613 indicated that the IDF response was expected within the "coming hour or two." Separately, reports from the activist Hamza Al-Masry on social media indicated that occupation aircraft targeted a group of citizens west of Deir al-Balah, resulting in five martyrs and a large number of injuries. Previous reports from this morning detailed that Israeli airstrikes in Rafah began between 7:35 AM and 8:35 AM UTC, following an anti-tank missile attack on an IDF engineering vehicle. The IDF had also reported eliminating two terrorists in the Jabaliya region who had penetrated beyond the 'yellow line'. Senior Hamas officials had previously reiterated that the organization would not disarm and intended to maintain control over Gaza's security, characterizing the current ceasefire as a temporary pause. The United States Department of State had also informed guarantor nations of credible reports of an imminent ceasefire violation by Hamas earlier today.
