Israel Drops 153 Tonnes of Bombs on Gaza After Hamas Attack, Ceasefire Strained

By john zurcher

Jerusalem, October 20, 2025 – Israeli forces launched a massive wave of airstrikes on Gaza, dropping 153 tonnes (337,307 pounds) of bombs on October 19, 2025, in response to what Israel claims was an attack by the Palestinian group Hamas. The strikes came after two Israeli soldiers were killed, an incident Israel blames on Hamas, though the group has denied any involvement. The renewed violence has put a fragile ceasefire under severe strain, with Israel also halting all aid to Gaza “until further notice.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the country’s parliament, the Knesset, on Monday, October 20, emphasizing Israel’s strength and readiness for both war and peace. “One of our hands holds a weapon, the other hand is stretched out for peace,” he said, adding, “You make peace with the strong, not the weak. Today Israel is stronger than ever before.”

The airstrikes targeted locations across Gaza, following what Israel described as a violation of the ceasefire by Hamas. On Sunday, October 19, Israel reported that two of its soldiers were killed in an attack it attributed to the Palestinian group. Hamas, however, issued a statement denying any knowledge of or involvement in the incident. This clash has raised fears that the ceasefire, already shaky, could collapse entirely.

In addition to the airstrikes, Israeli drones dropped leaflets over Khan Younis in southern Gaza on October 20, warning residents to stay away from a designated “yellow line” for their safety. The leaflets, seen by locals as a sign of escalating tensions, added to the fear and uncertainty in the region.

The decision to halt humanitarian aid to Gaza has sparked concern among international observers. Aid organizations have warned that blocking essential supplies like food, water, and medical resources could worsen the already dire situation for Gaza’s residents, who have faced years of conflict and economic hardship. The United Nations and other groups have called for an immediate restoration of aid to prevent a humanitarian crisis.

The renewed fighting comes at a time when international efforts to broker peace between Israel and Palestine remain stalled. The United States, a key ally of Israel, has reiterated its support for the country’s right to defend itself but also urged restraint. A U.S. envoy recently stated that after the war, Israel must “find a way to help” Palestinians, signaling a need for long-term solutions to address the root causes of the conflict.

The Israel-Palestine conflict, one of the world’s longest-running disputes, continues to fuel violence and suffering on both sides. Gaza, a densely populated strip of land home to over 2 million Palestinians, has been under an Israeli blockade for years, limiting access to basic goods and services. Israel maintains the blockade to prevent Hamas, which it considers a terrorist organization, from gaining strength. Hamas, meanwhile, has called for an end to the blockade and greater rights for Palestinians.

The latest escalation has drawn global attention, with protests and statements from world leaders calling for de-escalation. Many fear that the situation could spiral into a broader conflict, further destabilizing the region. Social media platforms, including X, have been flooded with posts from both sides, with some users condemning Israel’s airstrikes and others supporting its right to respond to attacks.

As the situation unfolds, the international community is watching closely. Efforts to restore the ceasefire and resume aid deliveries are underway, but deep mistrust between Israel and Hamas makes progress difficult. For now, the people of Gaza and Israel brace for what may come next in this volatile and tragic conflict.