Israel Keeps Rafah Crossing Closed Amid Ceasefire Violation Accusations | Latest Gaza News 19 Oct 2025

Israel Keeps Border Crossing Closed Amid Ceasefire Violation Accusations

Despite a U.S.-brokered temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, tensions continue to rise instead of easing. Israel has announced that the Rafah border crossing will remain closed until further notice, saying the closure will continue until Hamas returns the bodies of Israeli hostages.

According to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, Israel believes Hamas has not fulfilled key ceasefire conditions. On the other hand, Palestinian authorities and Hamas call the move a blatant breach of the truce agreement, claiming it has worsened Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.

The Gaza Media Office reports that since early October, Israeli forces have violated the ceasefire at least 47 times, killing 38 Palestinians and injuring more than 143 others. Palestinian officials have urged the United Nations and the international community to pressure Israel to stop its aggression and allow humanitarian aid to flow freely.

Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department accused Hamas of violating parts of the ceasefire agreement, though Hamas strongly denied the allegations, calling them “Israeli propaganda” aimed at justifying continued military operations. Both sides continue to trade accusations, deepening distrust on the ground.

The closure of the Rafah crossing — Gaza’s main route for travel and humanitarian aid — has further intensified the suffering of civilians. The United Nations and aid agencies warn that millions of Gazans remain trapped without adequate access to food, water, and medical supplies.

Israeli military officials insist that reopening the crossing requires additional security measures, alleging that Hamas militants could exploit the route for “illegal activities.” However, some analysts argue that Israel’s move is part of a political pressure strategy to maintain leverage over Hamas during ongoing negotiations.

Experts caution that a prolonged closure could worsen Gaza’s already dire humanitarian crisis. With both sides entrenched in mutual blame and limited international pressure, the ceasefire’s future remains uncertain. For now, the region stands at a fragile crossroads — between fragile calm and renewed conflict.