Two Palestinians were killed in an Israeli attack in northern Gaza this morning, October 19th, 2025, during a period of renewed hostilities following alleged ceasefire violations by Hamas. The renewed exchanges of fire came after an IDF engineering vehicle was targeted in Rafah, southern Gaza, leading to Israeli airstrikes. Over the past hour, violent artillery shelling has been reported on the city of Rafah. Earlier, a Hamas official in Qatar stated that the organization will not disarm and will maintain control over Gaza's security, describing the current situation as only a temporary 'hudna' or pause. This statement follows reports of Israeli soldiers being killed by leftover ammunition, with an accusation that Israel is attempting to shift blame. The body of Ronen Engel from Nir Oz was returned to Israel last night, with sixteen hostages reportedly still held in Gaza. In the past hour, a Hamas source reported to Quds Network that a police force affiliated with the organization carried out a security mission targeting the hiding place of Yasser Abu Shib, a leader of the Popular Forces. However, Abu Shib later appeared in a live broadcast to prove he was alive and unharmed. The security consultation with the Prime Minister concluded this morning. The coalition and opposition in Israel are reportedly discussing the need for a sharp response against Hamas. Previous reports from this morning indicated 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 stated that it is currently attacking the Gaza Strip in response to these violations. Reports also mentioned that IDF forces eliminated two terrorists in the Jabaliya region who had penetrated beyond the 'yellow line'. Amidst the heightened tensions, a senior Hamas official reiterated that the current ceasefire is merely a temporary pause for rebuilding strength. The previous reports detailed that the United States Department of State had informed guarantor nations of credible reports of an imminent ceasefire violation by Hamas. The previous report also noted that trucks had returned to enter through the Rafah crossing.
