Trump Confirms Gaza Ceasefire Holds Despite Recent Israeli Strikes
President Donald Trump reiterated that the ceasefire in Gaza remains intact, despite Israel launching strikes in the region. These strikes followed accusations that Hamas had violated the fragile truce that Trump facilitated. His statement came while he was on Air Force One, shortly after Israel conducted several strikes in response to alleged Hamas attacks in Rafah.
Overview of Current Situation
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the commencement of “renewed enforcement of the ceasefire” after the initial strain on the agreement. Trump mentioned that US officials believe the Hamas leadership may not be responsible for the alleged breach, particularly after claims that they killed two Israeli soldiers within the “yellow line,” the designated withdrawal boundary in Gaza.
Responses from Key Figures
- Trump stated, “The situation is going to be handled toughly, but properly.”
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered strong action against terrorist targets in Gaza.
- Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Hamas that they would face consequences for their actions.
As tension escalates, Trump’s special envoy and senior advisor, Jared Kushner, are traveling to Israel to assist in managing the situation. The strikes come after a tense standoff surrounding the return of deceased hostages held by Hamas, complicating discussions for progressing the ceasefire agreement.
Hamas’ Position
Hamas denied any involvement in the Rafah incident and asserted its commitment to uphold the ceasefire. A senior Hamas official claimed Israel was trying to create false justifications for their strikes. According to Hamas, there have been over 80 violations of the ceasefire since its initiation, which they said resulted in numerous casualties and injuries among Palestinians.
Casualties and Consequences
The Palestinian health ministry reported that at least 23 individuals died due to the Israeli attacks on Sunday. The International Committee of the Red Cross has been engaged in discussions to mediate the return of hostages, emphasizing the challenges of locating remains among the destruction in Gaza.
The current developments underscore the fragility of the Gaza ceasefire, highlighting the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to ensure its stability.
