Why it matters:
The blatant breach threatens to unravel a hard-won agreement brokered through indirect negotiations involving the U.S. and Egypt. The deal includes a large-scale prisoner exchange and was seen as a major step toward ending the war on Gaza. A renewed assault casts doubt on the Israeli regime’s commitment and risks reigniting hostilities.
The big picture:
On Thursday, October 9, 2025, the Israeli regime officially accepted a ceasefire agreement that included the exchange of over 1,250 prisoners. In return for the release of all Israeli captives held in Gaza, Hamas was to secure the freedom of 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and over 1,000 others detained after October 7, 2023.
However, just a day later, the regime’s military helicopters struck northern Gaza, violating the ceasefire terms and drawing condemnation from Palestinian civil defense, which warned civilians to avoid border zones.
What we're hearing:
Hamas has reaffirmed its commitment to the deal and confirmed that all captives would be released within 72 hours as agreed.
Civil Defense in Gaza urged residents to stay away from border areas until Israeli regime forces officially withdraw.
Israeli regime (via media leaks): No formal justification was given for the strikes at the time of reporting, raising suspicions of internal disagreement or strategic signaling.
Key points:
The ceasefire deal was brokered with indirect talks in Egypt, joined by U.S. envoys including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. The agreement includes:
- Release of all Israeli captives held by Hamas
- Exchange of 250 long-term Palestinian prisoners and 1,000+ detainees from Gaza
- Despite agreeing to the ceasefire, Israeli regime helicopters and artillery shelled Gaza City on Friday
Go deeper:
Hamas Agrees Gaza Ceasefire and Return of Captives
M.Majdi - M.a.Mahmoudi
