The Gaza peace deal has rightly been characterized as tenuous at best — largely because Hamas seemingly wouldn't know honoring a commitment if it smacked the terrorist outfit upside the head. Speaking of which...
On Saturday, the U.S. State Department issued an urgent bulletin, warning of an imminent Hamas attack on the people of Gaza and also warning that the "United States and the other guarantors" would take steps to protect Gazans and uphold the "integrity of the ceasefire."
READ MORE: State Department Warns of Imminent Ceasefire Violation by Hamas Targeting Gaza Civilians
Now, the IDF has indeed responded to multiple Hamas violations of the ceasefire.
An Israeli military official confirmed the strikes to Fox News on Sunday, pointing to attacks by Hamas since Friday. The IDF later confirmed that it was taking actions in Gaza.
"Earlier today, terrorists fired an anti-tank missile and gunfire toward IDF troops operating to dismantle terrorist infrastructure in the Rafah area, in southern Gaza, in accordance with the ceasefire agreement," the IDF said in a statement.
"In response, the IDF has begun striking in the area to eliminate the threat and dismantle tunnel shafts and military structures used for terrorist activity," it continued.
Israel has responded by striking areas in the north and south of the Gaza Strip.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office says he has instructed the minister of defense and other security heads to "act forcefully" in reaction to the attacks.
Hamas, of course, is feigning ignorance of attacks on Israeli forces, issuing a statement that read:
"We affirm our full commitment to implementing everything that has been agreed upon, foremost among which is the ceasefire in all areas of the Gaza Strip. We have no knowledge of any events or clashes taking place in the Rafah area.
"We have no connection to any events occurring in those areas, nor can we communicate with any of our fighters there if any of them remain alive."
Neither the White House nor the State Department has formally commented yet on the IDF's response. Israel, however, is making it clear that it intends for the ceasefire to be upheld:
At Times Square, our message is clear:
— Israel ישראל (@Israel) October 19, 2025
Barely days into a ceasefire, Hamas turned its weapons on Palestinians to reassert control through fear & violence.
The world watches. The ceasefire must be upheld. Hamas must go. Gaza must be demilitarized. pic.twitter.com/QWIglpDKXx
At Times Square, our message is clear:
Barely days into a ceasefire, Hamas turned its weapons on Palestinians to reassert control through fear & violence.
The world watches. The ceasefire must be upheld. Hamas must go. Gaza must be demilitarized.
Hamas must go. Gaza must be demilitarized. Indeed.
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