Israeli airstrike targets Gaza’s Rafah in violation of ceasefire

CAIRO – 19 October 2025: Israeli forces launched an airstrike on the Palestinian city of Rafah sin southern Gaza, Israeli media reported, despite a ceasefire that took effect on October 10, safeguarded by state guarantors.

Israel justified the attack over alleged Hamas violation of the ceasefire, according to the reports.

The attack comes a few hours after the US State Department on Saturday said it has "credible reports" indicating an “imminent ceasefire violation by Hamas against the people of Gaza.”

Washington claims that Hamas is planning an attack against Palestinian civilians, warning that “should Hamas proceed with this attack, measures will be taken to protect the people of Gaza and preserve the integrity of the ceasefire.”

Hamas refuted the US claims, saying they “fully align with misleading Israeli propaganda.”

The group also denied allegations that it was planning an imminent attack or seeking to violate the ceasefire, stressing that police forces in Gaza “are carrying out their national duties by pursuing and holding accountable criminal gangs in accordance with clear legal frameworks.”

Hamas accused Israel of "forming, arming and funding these criminal gangs responsible for killings, kidnappings, the theft of aid trucks, and looting against Palestinian civilians."