Israel says ceasefire and aid to resume after wave of strikes kill 26 in Gaza
Ceasefire reactivated following US pressure, but fragile truce faces challenges from armed militants and disputes over the return of hostages’ bodies
The Israeli military said on Sunday a ceasefire in Gaza had resumed after an attack killed two of its soldiers and prompted a wave of air strikes that Palestinians said killed 26 people, in the most serious test yet of this month’s US-brokered truce.
US President Donald Trump said the ceasefire he brokered was still in place. US officials, Trump said, believe Hamas leadership may not be involved in the violations, which will be “handled toughly, but properly”.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, he said he did not know whether the Israeli strikes were justified. “I’d have to get back to you on that,” Trump said.
Aid into Gaza was set to resume on Monday following US pressure, an Israeli security source said, shortly after Israel announced a halt in supplies in response to what it said was a “blatant” violation by Hamas of the truce.
The Israeli military said it struck Hamas targets across the enclave, including field commanders, gunmen, a tunnel and weapons depots, after militants launched an anti-tank missile and fired on its troops, killing the soldiers.