UPDATE: Israel confirms its commitment to a US-backed ceasefire in the Gaza Strip despite a devastating response to the death of an Israeli soldier. Local health authorities report that Israeli airstrikes killed at least 104 people, including 46 children and 20 women, during intense bombardment on October 29, 2025.
The Israeli military stated it launched these strikes after an attack by gunmen killed a soldier within the “yellow line,” an area where Israeli troops had previously withdrawn under the ceasefire agreement established on October 10. The situation escalated rapidly, marking the most severe violence in the region since the ceasefire began.
In a targeted strike on Beit Lahia, northern Gaza, Israel claimed to have targeted a site storing weapons intended for imminent attacks on its forces. Medics reported two fatalities from this specific strike. The military emphasized that while it remains committed to upholding the ceasefire, it will respond decisively to any violations.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) identified 24 militant targets, including a Hamas commander involved in earlier attacks during the ongoing conflict. In a statement, the IDF confirmed that operations would continue against Hamas militants, weapons depots, and tunnels.
Despite the violence, US President Donald Trump reassured that the ceasefire remains intact. “As I understand it, they took out an Israeli soldier,” Trump stated aboard Air Force One. “So the Israelis hit back, and they should hit back. Nothing is going to jeopardize the ceasefire,” he added, underscoring his administration’s support for Israel’s actions.
The Prime Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, expressed disappointment over the escalation, describing the attacks on the soldier and subsequent airstrikes as “very disappointing and frustrating.” Qatar, along with Egypt and the US, has been actively involved in negotiating peace in Gaza.
Hamas has denied responsibility for the soldier’s death and reiterated its commitment to the ceasefire. The group’s leadership indicated a willingness to relinquish governance of Gaza, which it has controlled since 2007, provided they can ensure peace in the region.
As this situation develops, the international community watches closely, with significant implications for future peace efforts in the Middle East. The urgency of these events cannot be overstated, as the region grapples with the dire humanitarian impact and ongoing violence.
WHAT’S NEXT: The world awaits further developments as tensions remain high and both sides prepare for potential escalations. The focus now shifts to diplomatic efforts led by Qatar and Egypt to restore stability in the Gaza Strip.
