Israel Gaza ceasefire resumes
Israel announced that its ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza has resumed following renewed airstrikes that killed at least 26 people, including women and children. This move comes after two Israeli soldiers were reportedly killed in clashes, which Israel said justified retaliation. Even so, under international pressure, Israel confirmed it would restart humanitarian aid deliveries into Gaza.
The strikes came after Israel accused Hamas fighters of attacking Israeli troops in Rafah and Beit Lahia with gunfire and anti-tank missiles. Hamas denied those claims and affirmed it remained committed to the truce. Israel said it took action to target militant infrastructure, then reestablished the ceasefire later on Sunday.
Aid had been interrupted following the clashes. Israel blocked deliveries and temporarily halted movements into Gaza. After internal agreement and diplomatic pressure, Israel declared that aid convoys would resume on Monday. Humanitarian agencies say Gaza suffers from severe shortages of food, water, medicines, and fuel, and that thousands may die without sustained aid.
The Rafah crossing with Egypt remains closed, pending further transfers of remains of hostages and diplomatic coordination. Israel says it will keep the crossing shut until Hamas hands over all deceased hostages. Hamas, in turn, says some bodies remain under rubble from past bombings. The dispute over hostages is among the most sensitive terms of the ceasefire.
Civilians in Gaza remain caught in a desperate situation. Many cannot access basic services. Clinics and hospitals struggle to operate under lack of power, medical supplies, and sanitary conditions. The temporary return of aid offers a glimmer of relief, but the uncertainty of peace means it may not last. Observers warn the ceasefire is fragile and could collapse if either side resumes attacks or fails to fulfill terms.
For now, residents in Gaza are cautiously hopeful that the restored ceasefire and the resumed flow of aid might ease the humanitarian pressure. But with infrastructure battered and trust in truce terms weak, much depends on whether both sides adhere strictly to the agreement.
