Israel Resumes Ceasefire; Aid Deliveries Set to Restart Monday

Israeli forces resumed enforcement of a ceasefire in Gaza on Sunday after a series of deadly airstrikes. This came in response to reports that Hamas militants had killed two Israeli soldiers. The Israeli military confirmed that aid deliveries to Gaza would restart on Monday, following a brief halt in operations amid escalating violence.

Escalating Tensions Amid Ceasefire

Over a week has passed since the implementation of a ceasefire proposed by the United States, which aims to end nearly two years of conflict. U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the ceasefire remains effective, emphasizing the need for peace and stability. He described Hamas as “quite rambunctious” and indicated that some of the recent violence might originate from factions within the group rather than its leadership. “It’s going to be handled toughly but properly,” he said, refraining from commenting on the justification of the Israeli strikes, noting that the situation is “under review.”

In parallel, Vice President JD Vance indicated he might travel to Israel soon to assess the situation firsthand, while acknowledging that the ceasefire would encounter “fits and starts.”

Health officials reported that at least 36 Palestinians were killed during the recent strikes across Gaza. The Israeli military targeted numerous Hamas positions following gunfire directed at its troops in areas designated as Israeli-controlled according to the ceasefire agreement.

Human Impact and Ongoing Negotiations

A senior Egyptian official involved in ceasefire negotiations confirmed that “round-the-clock” discussions are ongoing to de-escalate tensions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered military forces to take “strong action” against any violations of the ceasefire, though he did not explicitly threaten a return to warfare.

Palestinian civilians expressed fears that renewed conflict could devastate the already famine-stricken territory. Mahmoud Hashim, a father of five from Gaza City, pleaded for action from President Trump and other international mediators, stating, “It will be a nightmare.”

Reports from Al-Awda hospital indicated that they received 24 bodies from various airstrikes in the Nuseirat and Bureij camps. An airstrike on a coffeehouse in Zawaida town resulted in at least six casualties, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Additional strikes in Beit Lahiya and Khan Younis killed several more, including women and children. “Where is peace?” questioned Khadijeh abu-Nofal, as medical staff treated wounded individuals.

On a related note, Israel identified the remains of two hostages released by Hamas, Ronen Engel and Sonthaya Oakkharasri, both believed to have been killed in the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. Engel’s family had previously been affected, with his wife and two children kidnapped and later released.

Hamas has recently returned the remains of 12 hostages, with its military wing stating they found another body, which will be returned “if circumstances in the field” allow. The organization has warned that any escalation from Israel could hinder their ability to search for bodies.

Israel has urged Hamas to fulfill its obligation under the ceasefire to return the remains of all 28 deceased hostages. The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, the only one not controlled by Israel prior to the war, remains closed “until further notice.”

Despite the ongoing hostilities, a Hamas delegation, led by chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, arrived in Cairo to discuss the next steps in implementing the ceasefire deal with mediators and other Palestinian factions. Future discussions are expected to address disarmament of Hamas, Israeli withdrawals from additional territories in Gaza, and the governance of the region post-conflict.

The U.S. plan envisions the establishment of an internationally backed authority to manage Gaza’s recovery. Hamas spokesman Hazem Kassem stated that the group does not intend to participate in the new ruling authority and called for the swift formation of a body of Palestinian technocrats to oversee daily governance, emphasizing the dangers of a power vacuum.

According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, the ongoing conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 68,000 Palestinians, a figure that remains disputed by Israel. The ministry’s casualty records are generally regarded as reliable by U.N. agencies and independent experts. In contrast, the number of Israeli casualties from the initial Hamas-led attack is reported to be around 1,200, predominantly civilians, alongside 251 hostages taken during the assault.

As the ceasefire continues to face challenges, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution to a conflict that has brought immense suffering to both sides.