Less than a week after a ceasefire took effect, renewed violence erupted in Gaza as Israeli forces launched airstrikes on central and southern areas, including Khan Younis, on Sunday, October 19. Thick plumes of smoke were seen rising over the city as explosions echoed across the region.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had ordered the strikes in direct response to what he described as Hamas’s violations of the ceasefire agreement. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that militants fired an anti-tank missile and opened fire on troops operating in Rafah.

In contrast, Hamas’s armed wing stated that it remained committed to the ceasefire throughout Gaza and claimed to be unaware of any clashes in Rafah. The conflicting accounts underscore the growing tension and mistrust threatening to unravel the fragile truce.

The escalation comes as U.S. Vice President JD Vance and special envoy Steve Witkoff are set to arrive in Israel on Monday to hold talks addressing the ceasefire violations and exploring ways to prevent further escalation.