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Israel did not accept the provocations quietly. In response to the incursions, the Israeli Defense Forces carried out air and artillery strikes on Hamas targets in both the north and the south of Gaza, aiming to degrade militant capabilities and deter further breaches.
Observers say the resumption of attacks by Hamas underscores a painful reality: this militant movement’s leadership has repeatedly demonstrated that its stated objectives go beyond contesting territory and instead include the elimination of the Jewish state. That ideological drive makes any ceasefire fragile and dependent on strict enforcement.
Earlier this month, former President Donald J. Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first phase of a 20-point peace framework. As part of that initial package, both sides pledged not to launch attacks against one another — a central pillar intended to create breathing room for broader negotiations.
“Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed-upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace,” and “all hostages will be released very soon,” Trump said on Truth Social last night. There are reportedly 20 living hostages still believed to be in Hamas custody.
That 20-point outline doubled down on mutual nonaggression as the foundation for moving forward. But with this latest round of attacks, the pact’s most basic promise has been called into question — and with it, hopes that early momentum could lead to a more stable arrangement.
Hamas has also been accused of internal brutality in recent days. Reports suggest the group executed Palestinians it accused of collaborating with Israel, a campaign described by some sources as intended to “show strength” in the wake of the ceasefire. Officials report more than 33 alleged executions in a short span, actions that further inflame tensions and complicate reconciliation efforts.
The U.S. State Department weighed in, warning that any planned attacks on civilians would represent a grave violation of the agreement and jeopardize the mediation progress made so far. “This planned attack against Palestinian civilians would constitute a direct and grave violation of the ceasefire agreement and undermine the significant progress achieved through mediation efforts. The guarantors demand Hamas uphold its obligations under the ceasefire terms”
President Trump himself issued a stark warning after learning of the violence, making clear that continued attacks would carry severe consequences. “If Hamas continues to kill people in Gaza, which was not the Deal, we will have no choice but to go in and kill them,” the president wrote.
“Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
As diplomatic backchannels scramble, the situation remains volatile. The ceasefire’s survival depends on whether guarantors and local commanders can force compliance — and whether Hamas decides to honor the limited commitments it agreed to in phase one. For now, the fragile calm promised by the agreement has been punctured, and both the region and international mediators face a renewed scramble to prevent a wider escalation.
