Israel Continues Strikes in Gaza Amidst Fragile U.S.-Brokered Ceasefire

Continued Military Operations in Gaza

Israeli forces have maintained military operations in the Gaza Strip, specifically targeting areas in Khan Younis in the south and neighborhoods of northern Gaza City, as recently as October 31 and November 1, 2025 . These actions have occurred despite Israel's claims of adhering to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement . Reports indicate that strikes have impacted residential buildings and areas near Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City .

Casualties have been reported as a result of these operations. On October 28, at least nine people were killed in Gaza City and other parts of the enclave . A strike on a residential building in Gaza City's Sabra neighborhood reportedly killed four individuals, while another attack in Khan Younis killed five people, including two children, in a vehicle strike . Following an incident where an Israeli soldier was killed in Rafah, a wave of Israeli attacks reportedly killed at least 104 Palestinians, including 46 children and 20 women .

U.S.-Brokered Ceasefire Under Strain

A multi-phase, U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas officially came into effect on October 10, 2025 . However, the truce has been described as 'fragile' and 'under strain' . Both sides have accused each other of violating the agreement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered 'powerful strikes' in Gaza after Israel reported Hamas firing on its forces in southern Gaza, including an anti-tank missile incident near Rafah . Hamas, in turn, denied involvement in the Rafah incident and accused Israel of fabricating pretexts for its strikes . Hamas also reported new Israeli strikes on Khan Younis . After some of these retaliatory strikes, Israel announced a 'renewed enforcement' or 'resumption' of the ceasefire .

Challenges in Hostage and Prisoner Exchange

A key component of the ceasefire agreement involved the exchange of Israeli hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners held by Israel . Since the ceasefire began, Palestinian militants have released the remains of 17 hostages . However, the process has been slow, with 11 bodies of hostages reportedly still remaining in Gaza . Israel has accused Hamas of purposely delaying the return of remains, while Hamas states it is struggling to locate bodies amidst the widespread destruction in Gaza .

In a recent development, Israel confirmed that three bodies handed over by Hamas on October 31, 2025, were not those of unaccounted-for Israeli hostages . This followed Israel's return of the bodies of 30 Palestinian prisoners to the Nasser Medical Complex in Gaza . Overall, Israel has returned 225 Palestinian bodies since the ceasefire began, though only 75 have been identified by families .

Ongoing Instability

The continued military actions and mutual accusations highlight the precarious nature of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire. With approximately 53% of Gaza remaining under Israeli military control as of October 10, 2025, and significant humanitarian challenges persisting, the path to a stable resolution remains uncertain .