Israel, Hamas Trade Blame After Strikes Kill Dozens in Gaza!

Israel, Hamas Trade Blame After Strikes Kill Dozens in Gaza!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

The nine‑day‑old cease‑fire between Gaza Strip and Hamas has come under severe strain following fresh deadly strikes in the enclave. Rafah, a key crossing point into Egypt, has also been closed indefinitely by Israel. [1]

What We Know

• Israeli forces reportedly launched a series of air‑ and artillery strikes Sunday, targeting what they described as Hamas infrastructure in southern Gaza after accusing militants of attacking Israeli troops near Rafah. [1]
• Gaza’s health authorities reported at least 18 civilians killed, including a woman, in the strikes. Israeli officials said they were responding to a “blatant violation” of the cease‑fire. [1]
• Israel also announced the suspension of humanitarian aid and closure of the Rafah border crossing, citing Hamas’ failure to meet key terms of the truce. [2]
• Meanwhile, Gaza’s media office claimed the cease‑fire had already been breached multiple times, reporting 47 alleged violations by Israeli forces with 38 Palestinians killed and 143 injured. [3]

Why It Matters

The Rafah crossing is Gaza’s only gate to Egypt, vital for humanitarian aid, medicine, and civilian evacuations. Its closure significantly heightens the risk of a worsening humanitarian crisis.

• The renewed attacks and mutual accusations mark a critical test for the U.S.‑brokered truce and raise doubts about its sustainability.
• With hostages, the status of Hamas’ military capacity, and Gaza’s governance still unresolved, the path to a longer‑term peace deal appears increasingly fragile.

What to Watch

• Whether Hamas will acknowledge responsibility for the alleged attack on Israeli troops near Rafah and whether it will respond with its own actions.
• How humanitarian agencies will operate under the new constraints—will alternate aid routes be opened or will supply lines be further disrupted?
• The international community’s reaction, particularly from Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S., regarding the closure of Rafah and the deaths of civilians in Gaza.

Citations:

1. Reuters: www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-media-reports-military-attack-gaza-2025-10-19/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. AP News: apnews.com/article/f3d95cf76018541ff824853d1bcd3356?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. The Guardian: www.theguardian.com/world/2025/oct/18/israel-has-violated-ceasefire-47-times-and-killed-38-palestinians-says-gaza-media-office?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

editor

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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