Israel Strikes Multiple Targets In Gaza

Israeli forces struck targets in southern Gaza on Sunday after militants fired a rocket-propelled grenade at troops, testing the fragile ceasefire that paused more than two years of war.

The Israeli military said Hamas fighters attacked soldiers in Rafah, prompting airstrikes and artillery fire in response. No injuries were reported, according to the Associated Press. Hamas denied involvement in the incident.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu consulted with security officials and ordered the military to take “strong action” against ceasefire violations. He stopped short of threatening to resume full-scale operations.

The exchange came as Israel identified remains of two hostages released by Hamas overnight. Netanyahu’s office said the bodies belonged to Ronen Engel, a father of three from Kibbutz Nir Oz, and Sonthaya Oakkharasri, a Thai agricultural worker from Kibbutz Be’eri. Both died during the Oct. 7, 2023, attack. (RELATED: Hamas Launches Murderous Attacks Against Rivals In Gaza City After Peace Deal)

BREAKING: Israel strikes southern Gaza in test of ceasefire. https://t.co/G16Jdi7AmW

— The Associated Press (@AP) October 19, 2025

Israel threatened to keep the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt closed “until further notice.” Netanyahu’s office said reopening depends on Hamas returning remains of all 28 deceased hostages, the AP reported .

Hamas handed over 13 bodies in the past week. Israel identified 12 as hostages. One body did not belong to a hostage, Israel said.

The ceasefire agreement saw 20 living hostages exchanged for more than 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. Israel also released 150 Palestinian bodies to Gaza, including 15 on Sunday.

Hamas spokesman Hazem Kassem said talks for the ceasefire’s second phase have started. The next stage includes disarming Hamas, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza areas, and establishing future governance.

The State Department said Saturday that it received reports of a planned Hamas attack against Gaza residents. Hamas called the allegations “false” and accused Israel of supporting armed groups in Israeli-controlled areas.