Israel launches strikes in Gaza after accusing Hamas of violating ceasefire

In a major test to the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, Israeli officials on Sunday said they launched a wave of attacks in Gaza and halted aid after Hamas militants allegedly fired on Israeli soldiers, killing two.

Israel's military said in a statement Oct. 19 that it had launched "a series of strikes" against Hamas in southern Gaza, several hours after it announced it had targeted militants in the Rafah area in response to an attack on Israeli soldiers.

Two Israeli soldiers were killed in the initial attacks, Reuters reported. Residents in Gaza and local health authorities said Israeli airstrikes and tank fire has killed at least 18 people in the area...