Chicago – October 28, 2025
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered immediate “forceful strikes” on the Gaza Strip, casting doubt on the U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal negotiated by former President Donald Trump less than three weeks ago.
The order followed heated consultations with security officials after Israel accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire’s terms by mishandling the return of hostage remains. Israeli authorities claimed that what Hamas presented this week as the remains of a captive was partial body parts of another hostage previously recovered, an act Netanyahu’s office condemned as a “clear violation” of the truce.
The renewed military operations come on the heels of deadly weekend clashes, including airstrikes in Rafah after the deaths of two Israeli soldiers, which resulted in at least 26 Palestinian fatalities. Humanitarian agencies warn the escalation further endangers civilians amid critical shortages of food, shelter, and medical care within Gaza.
While the Trump administration has continued efforts to uphold the agreement, Israeli officials have threatened more severe retaliatory measures, raising fears that the fragile peace may fully collapse.
