In a tense update on the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed yesterday that the truce remains intact—despite renewed violence in Gaza that left dozens dead following Israeli airstrikes.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump confirmed, “Yeah, it is,” when asked whether the ceasefire was still in effect. He suggested that the recent attacks might not have been sanctioned by Hamas leadership, blaming “some rebels within” the organization instead.
“But either way, it’s going to be handled properly. It’s going to be handled toughly, but properly,” Trump emphasized.
According to Israeli military sources, strikes were conducted in response to Hamas targeting Israeli troops—marking the most serious escalation since the truce began over a week ago. Gaza’s civil defence agency, operating under Hamas authority, reported at least 45 deaths from the strikes, while the Israeli military said it was investigating the casualty reports.
Trump reiterated his commitment to maintaining calm in the region, saying, “We want to make sure that it’s going to be very peaceful with Hamas. As you know, they’ve been quite rambunctious. They’ve been doing some shooting, and we think maybe the leadership isn’t involved in that.”
Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance described the renewed violence as part of the “fits and starts” of any ceasefire process, telling reporters, “Hamas is going to fire on Israel. Israel is going to have to respond. So we think that it has the best chance for a sustainable peace.”
The ceasefire, brokered on October 10, came after more than two years of devastating conflict that reduced much of Gaza to rubble. The truce includes a framework for hostage and prisoner exchanges and lays out a roadmap for Gaza’s reconstruction and governance.
However, tensions remain high as both sides test the limits of the fragile agreement. Vance further called on Gulf Arab nations to strengthen regional security measures, saying, “The Gulf Arab states, our allies, don’t have the security infrastructure in place yet to confirm that Hamas is disarmed.”
He added that a senior member of the Trump administration would be visiting Israel “in the next few days” to monitor the truce—hinting that he might personally make the trip.
As the region holds its breath, the world watches closely, hoping that the ceasefire will hold and that diplomacy—rather than destruction—will pave the way forward.
Because at the heart of every conflict lies the same question: how much longer will humanity wait before peace becomes the first choice, not the last resort?
