In a volatile turn, the Israeli military announced on Sunday that a fragile ceasefire in Gaza had resumed after a deadly exchange that claimed the lives of two Israeli soldiers and ignited a new wave of airstrikes across the Palestinian enclave.
The temporary halt in fighting comes with humanitarian stakes on the line. After suspending vital aid deliveries into Gaza in response to what it called a blatant truce violation by Hamas, Israel said deliveries would restart on Monday under pressure from the United States.
According to an Israeli security source, troops struck Hamas positions from northern Gaza to Rafah, targeting field commanders, weapons depots, tunnels and armed gunmen. Hamas militants had launched an anti-tank missile and opened fire on Israeli forces, triggering the retaliation.
Gaza's health authorities reported at least 44 Palestinian fatalities in the latest round of strikes, underscoring the human cost of the conflict's ebb and flow.
U.S. President Donald Trump, who brokered the ceasefire, said US officials believe the violations might stem from rogue units of Hamas and promised a firm but measured response.
On the ground, the armed wing of Hamas insisted it had honored the agreement and was unaware of the Rafah clashes. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed that the military had clear orders to respond forcefully to any breach of the truce.
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Israel says ceasefire, aid to resume after strikes kill dozens in Gaza
cgtn.com
