The Israeli military on Sunday said a ceasefire in Gaza had resumed after deadly clashes and retaliatory airstrikes left at least 28 people dead, marking the most serious challenge yet to this month’s U.S.-brokered truce.
Israeli officials confirmed that two soldiers were killed after militants launched an anti-tank missile and opened fire on troops near Rafah. In response, Israel carried out a wave of airstrikes targeting Hamas positions across the enclave, killing at least 26 people, including a woman and a child, according to Palestinian health authorities.
U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, insisted that the ceasefire remained in effect. He said U.S. intelligence suggested that Hamas leadership may not have ordered the attacks, adding that the situation would be “handled toughly, but properly.”
“I’d have to get back to you on whether the Israeli strikes were justified,” Trump said, while urging both sides to maintain calm.
An Israeli security source confirmed that humanitarian aid deliveries into Gaza were set to resume on Monday following U.S. pressure. Supplies had been halted after Israel accused Hamas of “blatant violations” of the ceasefire.
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Emirates’ special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner were expected to travel to Israel on Monday for further talks, officials said.
Hamas’ armed wing stated that it remained committed to the truce and was unaware of the Rafah clashes, suggesting that the violence may have been the work of rogue fighters acting independently.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had ordered the military to “respond forcefully” to Hamas’ violations, while Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that any attempt to cross the ceasefire’s “yellow line” would be met with fire.
The renewed hostilities have raised fears that the fragile truce — which began on 10 October after two years of war could unravel. The conflict had previously claimed thousands of lives and devastated much of Gaza’s infrastructure.
In Gaza, residents fled their homes in Khan Younis following nearby airstrikes, while markets in Nuseirat were crowded with people stocking up on essentials in anticipation of further violence.
The situation echoes Israel’s clashes with Hezbollah in late 2024, when both sides accused each other of violating a ceasefire that eventually held.
Meanwhile, disputes continue over the return of hostages’ bodies. Hamas said it has so far handed over 12 of 28 deceased captives after releasing all 20 living hostages last week. The group said it needs special equipment to retrieve the remaining bodies trapped under rubble.
The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt a vital entry point for aid remains closed, with Israel saying its reopening depends on Hamas fulfilling its obligations under the truce.
The United Nations has warned that Gaza still faces a severe humanitarian crisis, with hundreds of thousands at risk of famine despite an increase in aid deliveries since the ceasefire began.
