Israel Resumes Gaza Ceasefire After Deadly Clashes Test U.S.-Brokered Truce

The Israeli military announced on Sunday that the ceasefire in Gaza has resumed after an attack killed two Israeli soldiers, triggering retaliatory airstrikes that left at least 26 Palestinians dead. The escalation marks the most serious challenge yet to the U.S.-brokered truce implemented earlier this month.

Following U.S. pressure, humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza are expected to resume Monday, according to an Israeli security official. Israel had briefly halted aid in response to what it described as a “blatant” violation by Hamas. Military officials said the strikes targeted Hamas operatives, weapons depots, and tunnels after militants fired an anti-tank missile at Israeli troops. Local sources reported civilian casualties, including a woman and a child, with one strike hitting a former school sheltering displaced residents in Nuseirat.

U.S. officials Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to visit Israel on Monday to discuss the situation. Hamas’ armed wing stated it remains committed to the ceasefire and was unaware of the Rafah clashes. Vice President JD Vance refrained from commenting directly on the strikes, emphasizing instead the lack of full disarmament among Hamas cells.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would “respond forcefully” to ceasefire violations, while Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that any breach of the designated “yellow line” would be met with fire. Hamas accused Israel of repeated violations that have killed 46 people and disrupted aid supplies.

The ceasefire, which began on October 10 after two years of war, remains fragile. Israel says Hamas is delaying the return of deceased hostages, while Hamas insists it needs special equipment to retrieve bodies buried under rubble. The Rafah crossing with Egypt, critical for humanitarian aid, remains largely closed, deepening the humanitarian crisis.

Despite increased aid since the truce, the United Nations warns that Gaza still faces severe shortages, with key issues of disarmament, governance, and future peace efforts unresolved.