The fragile ceasefire in Gaza was tested on Sunday after Israel launched retaliatory strikes against Hamas militants, killing 26 Palestinians, including several children, and briefly halting aid deliveries to the enclave.
The flare-up began when Israeli troops came under fire from Hamas fighters in southern Gaza, resulting in the deaths of two Israeli soldiers. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said it had resumed enforcement of the truce following the retaliatory airstrikes.
"In accordance with the directive of the political echelon, and after a series of significant strikes, the IDF has begun renewed enforcement of the ceasefire following its violation by the Hamas terror organisation," the military said in a statement posted on X. It added that it would "continue to uphold the ceasefire agreement and will respond forcefully to any violation."
Israeli officials stressed that the US-brokered truce remains essential for creating conditions for broader diplomatic progress in Gaza. Aid into the territory was set to resume on Monday following pressure from Washington, shortly after Israel had announced a halt in supplies in response to what it described as a "blatant" Hamas violation.
Fighting tests fragile truce
The flare-up marked the first major test of the ceasefire since it came into effect earlier this month. Israeli forces launched airstrikes across Gaza after being targeted, while Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that at least 26 Palestinians were killed.
Egyptian officials involved in the ceasefire mediation said they were holding "round-the-clock" talks to de-escalate the situation. There was no immediate response from Washington.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned Hamas for the violation but stopped short of declaring the truce over. He directed the IDF to take "strong action" against any breaches while reaffirming Israel's commitment to maintaining stability.
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Strikes across Gaza
Residents across Gaza reported heavy bombardment following the renewed fighting. In Zawaida town, a central Gaza airstrike on a makeshift coffee house killed six people.
Another strike in Nuseirat refugee camp killed two and injured several others. Hospitals in Khan Younis and Beit Lahiya reported multiple casualties, with many victims being civilians sheltering in temporary tents.
Meanwhile, Israel confirmed the remains of two hostages returned by Hamas overnight, identified as Ronen Engel, from Kibbutz Nir Oz, and Thai agricultural worker Sonthaya Oakkharasri, from Kibbutz Be’eri. Both were believed killed during the Hamas assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.
In response, Israel released 150 Palestinian bodies for burial in Gaza, though only 25 have been identified by families so far.
Despite the renewed violence, ceasefire negotiations continue in Cairo. A Hamas delegation led by senior official Khalil al-Hayya arrived on Saturday to discuss the next phase of the deal.
Talks are expected to focus on disarming Hamas, the gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from parts of Gaza, and the establishment of a new governing body for the enclave.
Hamas spokesman Hazem Kassem said the next phase "requires national consensus" and reiterated that Hamas would not take part in a postwar administration.
The conflict, now in its second year, has claimed more than 68,000 Palestinian lives, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
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