Gaza Ceasefire: Rafah Airstrikes, Aid Restrictions, and Remains Repatriation
Gaza officials reported multiple Israeli military actions from October 8 to 19, contributing to casualties.
MIDDLE EAST — On October 19, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted airstrikes in Rafah following reports of an anti-tank missile and gunfire targeting troops engaged in infrastructure dismantling in southern Gaza, consistent with ceasefire provisions established on October 10.
U.S. Central Command Coordinates Gaza Stabilization Efforts Without Ground Troops Following Israel-Hamas Ceasefire
MIDDLE EAST — The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas began on October 10, initiating phase one with initial hostage releases and Israeli withdrawals from parts of Gaza. As of October 12, the ceasefire has held for its third day, with tens of thousands of Palestinians returning to northern areas amid widespread destruction.
The IDF described the incident as an alleged violation, with strikes targeting tunnel entrances and associated structures. Hamas officials denied involvement, asserting that they complied with the truce terms.
Gaza Civil Defense authorities reported 11 to 45 Palestinian fatalities and multiple injuries, including one confirmed death in al-Mawasi west of Khan Yunis, as verified by Nasser Hospital records. Two Israeli soldiers, Major Yaniv Kula and Staff Sgt. Itay Yavetz was killed in the exchange.
The U.S. Department of State, in coordination with mediating parties, noted reports on October 18 of a planned Hamas assault on non-combatants, describing it as an alleged violation and urging compliance to protect Gaza residents.
The IDF reiterated its commitment to the ceasefire while stating its readiness to address reported breaches. The ceasefire, announced on October 8 and effective from October 10, faces mutual allegations of violations.
Gaza officials reported multiple Israeli military actions from October 8 to 19, contributing to casualties. As of October 20, no further escalations were reported, with the truce under ongoing monitoring.
Acronym Index
COGAT: Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories
ICRC: International Committee of the Red Cross
IDF: Israel Defense Forces
LAF: Lebanese Armed Forces
UNIFIL: United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon
CENTCOM: U.S. Central Command
Humanitarian Aid Efforts
Aid deliveries resumed through Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings following the October 10 ceasefire. Egyptian authorities facilitated transit near Rafah, while the Coordinator of the Government
Activities in the Territories (COGAT) reported increased deliveries to meet Gaza’s needs. United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) data indicated 300 to 600 trucks entered on select days as of October 16, with 510 recorded on peak days, and northern distribution was limited to approximately 20 percent of vehicles due to infrastructure damage and security measures.
The Rafah crossing was suspended on October 16 due to verification issues and remained closed through October 19, reducing overall aid volumes. Israeli authorities halved aid quantities, citing Hamas’s partial compliance with obligations concerning 28 recovered remains, alongside logistical and security concerns. Fuel and gas supplies were restricted, per COGAT reports.
OCHA assessed northern access at 20 percent of truck capacity and called for Rafah’s reactivation. Over 500,000 individuals face heightened famine risk due to ongoing disruptions, according to Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) metrics.
As of October 20, preparations for a potential Rafah reopening continue, though verification delays persist, with aid primarily entering via Kerem Shalom.
Hostage Release Developments, Mediation Efforts:
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