ISRAEL – Tensions flared once again in the Middle East as Israel and Hamas exchanged deadly attacks that left two Israeli soldiers and at least 26 Palestinians dead. The violence marked one of the most serious challenges to the fragile ceasefire brokered earlier this month between the two sides.
According to the Israeli military, the ceasefire in Gaza has now resumed following the intense exchange. The military said it had launched a series of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip after militants allegedly fired an anti-tank missile and opened fire on Israeli troops.
Local Gaza authorities reported that the strikes killed at least 26 people, including a woman and a child, and wounded many others. One of the attacks reportedly hit a school sheltering displaced families.
U.S. Urges Calm Amid Renewed Violence
Speaking aboard Air Force One, former U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that the ceasefire “is still in place,” despite the bloodshed. He hinted that the Hamas leadership may not have directly ordered the attacks, adding that the situation “will be handled toughly but properly.”
Trump’s aides, including U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are scheduled to visit Israel to discuss measures aimed at preserving peace.
Israel Resumes Aid Deliveries to Gaza
After initially halting humanitarian aid in protest at what it described as a “blatant” violation of the truce, Israel agreed to resume supplies to Gaza following U.S. diplomatic pressure.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the country’s response, saying the military had acted “forcefully” against Hamas positions. However, Hamas denied any role in the attacks, calling Israel’s claims “false propaganda.”
Rising Concerns Over Civilian Deaths
The Gaza Government Media Office stated that since the start of the ceasefire, Israel had killed 97 Palestinians and injured more than 230 people, accusing the country of violating the truce over 80 times.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance emphasized that Gaza lacks effective security control, suggesting international peacekeeping forces may be needed to maintain stability.
In other news read more about Ceasefire Ends The War But Not Netanyahu’s Political Struggles
As both sides exchange accusations, international observers remain concerned that the latest violence could push the region toward another prolonged conflict.
