The Israeli military has carried out airstrikes in Gaza, including in Rafah, other southern areas, and Jabalia, according to both Israeli and Palestinian media. These actions transpired despite an ongoing US-brokered ceasefire. Israel attributed the strikes to what it termed a “blatant violation” of the ceasefire by Hamas, alleging that militants conducted “multiple attacks” against Israeli forces, involving rocket-propelled grenade and sniper fire, beyond a designated buffer zone.
Reports offered varying details regarding the specific targets and preceding events. Israeli TV network Channel 12 indicated that some Rafah strikes aimed to protect members of the Yasser Abu Shabab militia, an Israeli-backed group. In contrast, the Palestinian outlet Quds Network, citing an unnamed security source, reported that a Hamas-led internal security unit had targeted a Yasser Abu Shabab hideout shortly before the Israeli airstrikes commenced. The Times of Israel also reported that “terror operatives” attacked Israeli forces in Rafah, prompting the Israeli response. There has been no immediate comment from Hamas regarding these developments.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/oct/19/gaza-ceasefire-israel-hamas-rafah-hostages-middle-east-crisis-live-news-updates