Washington (TDI): US President Donald Trump has said that the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas remains in effect, even after Israeli airstrikes on Gaza killed dozens following what Israel described as violations of the truce by the Palestinian group.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump was asked whether the fragile ceasefire was still holding. “Yeah, it is,” he replied, suggesting that the recent flare-up may have been triggered by rogue elements rather than Hamas’s leadership. “Some rebels within may have acted independently,” Trump said. “Either way, it’s going to be handled, firmly, but fairly.”
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The Israeli military said it had resumed enforcing the ceasefire after targeting Hamas positions on Sunday. According to Israel, the strikes came in response to gunfire directed at its troops, marking the most serious incident since the truce began nine days ago.
Gaza’s civil defense authority, which operates under Hamas, reported at least 45 deaths in the latest attacks. The Israeli Defense Forces said it was reviewing those casualty claims.
Trump voiced confidence that the ceasefire, which his administration helped broker, would endure. “We want to make sure it stays peaceful with Hamas,” he said. “They’ve been a little rambunctious, some shooting here and there, but we think the leadership isn’t behind it.”
Vice President JD Vance, speaking separately, described the situation as part of the “ups and downs” expected in any post-war truce. “There will be fits and starts,” Vance told reporters. “Hamas may fire at Israel, and Israel will respond. That’s unfortunately part of managing a ceasefire. But we still believe it has the best chance of lasting peace.”
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The ceasefire, which took effect on October 10, paused more than two years of intense conflict that began after Hamas’s October 7, 2023, assault on Israel. The deal includes a framework for hostage and prisoner exchanges and outlines early steps toward Gaza’s political and economic reconstruction, though both sides have struggled with its implementation.
Vance urged Gulf Arab nations to take a larger role in stabilizing Gaza, particularly in efforts to disarm Hamas, a key component of the agreement.
“The Gulf states, our allies, don’t yet have the security systems in place to ensure Hamas is fully disarmed,” he said. He added that a member of the Trump administration would travel to Israel in the coming days to monitor developments. When asked if he might lead the visit himself, Vance replied with a grin, “It might be me.”
