BREAKING: Israel Continues Deadly Attacks on Gaza, Closes Rafah Crossing!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

Israeli forces have resumed major attacks in the Gaza Strip while announcing the indefinite closure of the critical Rafah crossing into Egypt, according to official statements and media reports. [1]

What We Know:

• The crossing at Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt will remain closed until further notice, according to Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, citing unmet conditions including the return of deceased hostages. [1]
• Since the cease‑fire earlier in October, Gaza authorities report that Israel has violated the agreement at least 47 times, resulting in at least 38 Palestinian deaths and 143 injuries. [2]
• In southern Gaza, near the Rafah region, fresh air‑ and ground‑strikes have been reported, signalling a renewed escalation despite the official truce. [3]

Why It Matters:

• The closure of Rafah — Gaza’s key gateway for humanitarian aid, medical evacuations and civilian movement — is a severe setback to relief efforts. Aid groups warn of potential famine, medical shortages and worsening humanitarian conditions. [4]
• Continued attacks and declared violations of the truce undermine diplomacy and set back efforts toward a sustainable cease‑fire or peace process.
• The dispute over hostages and crossover terms (bodies returned, access restored) highlights the interlinking of military strategy and humanitarian access in the conflict.

What to Watch:

• Whether Hamas will meet Israel’s stated conditions for reopening Rafah and what terms (if any) accompany its reopening.
• How humanitarian agencies adapt to restricted access — whether alternate routes are opened, or whether operations are scaled down due to security and access constraints.
• Any diplomatic or regional response (Egypt, Qatar, U.S.) to the renewed closure and attacks, especially regarding the status of the truce.

Citations:

1. Reuters: www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-says-rafah-crossing-remain-closed-until-further-notice-2025-10-18/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. 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
3. BILD: www.bild.de/politik/gazastreifen-israel-fliegt-nach-waffenruhe-verstoss-luftangriffe-68f4a56d78596728f433d048?utm_source=chatgpt.com
4. WAFA Agency: english.wafa.ps/Pages/Details/144025?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author