On Sunday evening, U.S. President Donald Trump declared that the cease‑fire agreement in the Gaza Strip remains broadly intact, emphasising that recent flare‑ups stem from rogue factions rather than the leadership of Hamas. Speaking aboard Air Force One, he affirmed the deal he helped broker is still holding, though he vowed any violations would face a robust response.
Earlier, the Gaza Strip witnessed its most intense military exchanges since the truce took effect nine days ago. According to Gaza’s civil‑defence authorities, Israeli air raids—said to be in retaliation for attacks on soldiers—left 45 Palestinians dead, while Israeli sources reported two soldiers killed in fighting around Rafah.
Meanwhile, the military wing of Hamas, the Al‑Qassam Brigades, reaffirmed its commitment to the cease‑fire, denying responsibility for the recent clashes and pointing out that the contested zones remain under Israeli control.
Although active large‑scale hostilities have paused, the persistence of isolated violence and mutual accusations underscores the truce’s fragile character. For civilians across Gaza, a veneer of calm persists—but it remains precarious, with any moment prone to sudden escalation.
