The Israeli Air Force conducted airstrikes on terror targets in Rafah, southern Gaza, starting around 8:45 AM UTC on October 19th, 2025, in response to a serious ceasefire violation by Hamas. The violation involved an anti-tank missile and sniper fire targeting an IDF engineering vehicle, resulting in the confirmed deaths of two Israeli soldiers. The exchange of fire prompted an urgent situation assessment between Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz. According to multiple reports and statements, the incident began with Hamas terrorists firing an anti-tank missile at an IDF engineering vehicle in the Rafah area, with additional reports of sniper fire at forces. This led to the IDF returning fire, including airstrikes on terror positions. The United States Department of State confirmed this morning that it had informed guarantor nations of credible reports indicating an imminent ceasefire violation by Hamas, warning that measures would be taken if the attack proceeded. Israeli military officials confirmed the deaths of two soldiers in Gaza, with Hadashot Bazaman Hebrew website reporting their deaths occurred in Rafah. The IDF stated that in response to the ceasefire violation, it is currently attacking the Gaza Strip, with vigorous activity of the Air Force reported over Gaza. The stock exchange in Tel Aviv saw increased declines, with indices 125 and 35 decreasing by over 1.5% against the background of the exchanges of fire. Amidst the ongoing developments, Al-Arabiya correspondent reported a halt in the entry of trucks from the Rafah crossing to the Karam Abu Salem and Al-Awja crossings. Separately, local sources reported that two Palestinians were killed in an Israeli airstrike east of Jabalia in northern Gaza. The IDF also confirmed that its Givati Brigade eliminated two terrorists in the Jabaliya region who had penetrated beyond the 'yellow line'. Following the serious incident in Rafah, Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz, along with military officials, held an urgent assessment of the situation. Intelli News Hebrew website reported on a current telephone assessment between the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense regarding Hamas violations. The Israeli army has imposed a gag order on the Rafah security event. There were also reports of intense shooting from Israeli vehicles on Abasan Al Kabira, east of Khan Yunis, and heavy artillery shelling in the vicinity of Rafah city.
