Israel Halts Gaza Aid ‘Until Further Notice’ as Ceasefire Faces Major Test
Key Developments
- Israel suspends aid transfers to Gaza after reported Hamas ceasefire violation
- Two Israeli soldiers killed in southern Gaza; at least 29 Palestinians dead in strikes
- Egypt mediates “round-the-clock” talks to prevent full-scale war resumption
- Hamas returns remains of two hostages as tensions escalate
The fragile US-brokered ceasefire in Gaza faced collapse on October 19, 2025, as Israel suspended all humanitarian aid “until further notice” following what it called a Hamas violation. Israeli forces launched retaliatory strikes across the territory, killing at least 29 Palestinians and threatening to unravel the week-old truce.
Military Escalation and Casualties
Israel’s military reported two soldiers killed in southern Gaza after troops came under Hamas fire. The military responded by striking “dozens of Hamas targets” across the territory.
Gaza’s Health Ministry reported multiple civilian casualties:
- Six killed in airstrike on coffeehouse in Zawaida
- Two killed near Al-Ahly soccer club in Nuseirat refugee camp
- Four killed in school sheltering displaced families in Nuseirat
- Four killed in tent strike in Khan Younis, including woman and two children
- Two killed in Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza
Hostage Remains Exchange Continues Amid Tensions
Hamas returned the remains of two hostages: Ronen Engel from Kibbutz Nir Oz and Sonthaya Oakkharasri, a Thai agricultural worker. Both were believed killed in the October 7, 2023 attack that sparked the war.
Israel pressed Hamas to return all 28 deceased hostages’ remains, warning the Rafah border crossing would remain closed until compliance. Hamas cited war devastation and Israeli military control as obstacles to faster handovers.
“It will be a nightmare,” said Mahmoud Hashim, a father of five from Gaza City, appealing to mediators to prevent ceasefire collapse.
Diplomatic Efforts and Border Situation
A senior Egyptian official involved in ceasefire negotiations confirmed “round-the-clock” contacts to deescalate the situation. The official spoke anonymously as they weren’t authorized to brief reporters.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directed “strong action” against ceasefire violations but stopped short of threatening full-scale war resumption.
The Palestinian Authority announced new procedures for Rafah crossing movement, with embassy staff from Cairo issuing temporary travel documents. The crossing has been closed since May 2024 when Israel took control of the Gaza side.
War Toll and Future Negotiations
The conflict has killed over 68,000 Palestinians according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, with thousands more missing. Hamas-led militants killed approximately 1,200 people in Israel during the initial October 2023 attack.
A Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo to discuss ceasefire implementation with mediators. Future negotiations will focus on disarmament, Israeli withdrawal, and post-war Gaza governance.
Hamas spokesman Hazem Kassem stated the group won’t participate in postwar governance, calling instead for Palestinian technocrats to administer the territory.
