Escalating Tensions: Gaza Ceasefire Faces Its Biggest Challenge Yet

Mon Oct 20 2025 23:55:43 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A recent surge of violence in Gaza has tested the fragile ceasefire orchestrated by U.S. President Donald Trump, following deadly airstrikes by Israel in response to attacks attributed to Hamas.

The ceasefire in Gaza is under severe strain after deadly Israeli airstrikes killed at least 45 Palestinians following the deaths of two Israeli soldiers. This escalation highlights the precarious nature of the truce established on October 10, with U.S. envoys negotiating to stabilize the situation further. Many families, including that of a 14-year-old boy killed in the strikes, are mourning as both sides blame each other for the renewed violence. The international community is closely monitoring these developments as discussions on a long-term peace plan intensify.

One week ago, US President Donald Trump was given a hero's welcome in Israel after securing a ceasefire in Gaza and an exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners. However, recent days have shown the fragility of this agreement.

On Sunday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a series of airstrikes across Gaza, claiming retaliation for an attack that killed two Israeli soldiers, leading to the suspension of aid deliveries into the region. This marked the deadliest day since the ceasefire took effect on October 10, raising urgent questions about its durability.

Despite the rising tensions, U.S. intervention seems to have temporarily prevented the ceasefire from collapsing completely, with Israeli crossings to Gaza reopening on Monday. U.S. envoys have returned to the region, where negotiations are ongoing with Hamas negotiators and Palestinian factions in Cairo.

Among the topics discussed is the second phase of Trump’s peace plan, involving the deployment of an international stabilizing force in Gaza and the potential disarmament of Hamas.

In a heartbreaking reality, families like that of Shadi Abu Obeid are grappling with loss. Shadi's 14-year-old son, Mohammed, was among those killed in Rafah during the recent strikes. Because of the ceasefire I was a bit more relaxed, and I let him go out with his friends, Shadi lamented at his son's funeral.

Local hospitals report that at least 45 people in Gaza have died following these airstrikes. Reports indicate that members of Hamas’s armed wing were targeted, but footage has shown numerous civilian casualties, further deepening the crisis.

President Trump, speaking from Air Force One, asserted the ceasefire continues and emphasized the need for peaceful resolutions despite the troubling signs of internal conflict resurfacing within Gaza.

As the political landscape shifts, Israeli leaders face increasing pressure amid domestic calls for stringent responses to breaches of the ceasefire, coupled with anticipated discussions surrounding future governance in Gaza led by Hamas amid a transitional government proposal.

As the ceasefire struggle continues, both the U.S. and international communities remain engaged in efforts to foster long-term peace solutions for the besieged region.