Israel’s military says a ceasefire in Gaza has been restored following a deadly flare-up that killed two Israeli soldiers and prompted retaliatory airstrikes that, according to Palestinian officials, left at least 26 people dead — including a woman and a child.
The strikes, which hit several Hamas targets including tunnels, weapons depots, and a former school sheltering displaced residents in Nuseirat, marked the most serious test yet of the U.S.-brokered truce that began earlier this month.
U.S. President Donald Trump, who mediated the ceasefire, told reporters aboard Air Force One that the agreement remained intact, suggesting Hamas leadership might not have authorized the attacks.
“We think maybe the leadership isn’t involved in that,” Trump said. “Either way, it’s going to be handled toughly but properly.”
Pressed on whether Israel’s response was justified, Trump replied, “I’d have to get back to you on that.”
An Israeli security source confirmed that aid deliveries into Gaza would resume Monday under U.S. pressure, shortly after Israel briefly halted supplies in protest of what it called a “blatant” Hamas violation of the truce.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had directed the military to respond “forcefully” to the attack, which involved an anti-tank missile and gunfire on Israeli troops.
Hamas’ armed wing denied involvement, insisting it remained committed to the ceasefire and had not coordinated any activity in Rafah since March.
Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner are expected to arrive in Israel on Monday for consultations, according to both U.S. and Israeli officials.
Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President JD Vance warned that enforcing the truce would require help from Gulf Arab states, citing the fragmented nature of Hamas’ armed structure.
“There are about 40 different Hamas cells,” Vance said. “Some will honor the ceasefire, many won’t — and until there’s real law and order on the ground, the situation will remain fragile.”
The renewed violence underscores the deep fragility of the cease
