The Israeli military has resumed enforcing the ceasefire agreement in Gaza following a series of air strikes that resulted in numerous casualties. The strikes, which occurred late on **October 10, 2023**, were a response to what Israel described as violations by Hamas, including an attack that killed an Israeli soldier. As tensions escalate, both Israel and Hamas have exchanged accusations regarding breaches of the truce.
Israeli air strikes reportedly killed at least **70 individuals**, with **five fatalities** occurring in a residential building in the Bureij refugee camp and four in Gaza City’s Sabra neighborhood. In addition, five people died when a vehicle was struck in Khan Younis. The violence underscores the fragility of the ceasefire, which had only recently been established after two years of conflict following Hamas-led attacks on Israel on **October 7, 2023**.
U.S. President **Donald Trump** stated that the ceasefire, brokered with U.S. support, remains intact despite the recent violence. He emphasized that Israel has the right to retaliate against attacks. “They took out an Israeli soldier,” Trump said. “So the Israelis hit back, and they should hit back.”
The Israeli military confirmed the soldier’s death, and a military official indicated that Hamas had violated the ceasefire by launching an attack against Israeli forces positioned along the agreed-upon deployment line. Trump maintained that Hamas must adhere to the agreed terms, stating, “If they are good, they are going to be happy, and if they are not good, they are going to be terminated.”
In contrast, Hamas denied responsibility for the attack on Israeli forces in **Rafah** and asserted its commitment to the ceasefire. The ceasefire agreement mandates that Hamas release all living hostages in exchange for nearly **2,000 Palestinian prisoners**. Both parties have made efforts to comply with the terms, including Israel’s withdrawal of troops and cessation of offensive operations.
Tensions over the return of hostages have become a contentious issue. Israeli Prime Minister **Benjamin Netanyahu** announced that human remains handed over to Israel on Monday belonged to an Israeli who died during Hamas’s initial assault. The Israeli military alleged that Hamas had staged the recovery of remains at an excavation site to create a misleading narrative of cooperation.
A video released by the Israeli military purportedly shows individuals placing a white bag at an excavation site before covering it with soil. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) stated its team was unaware that the remains had been planted prior to their arrival. Reuters has been unable to verify the claims made by Israel regarding the video content.
As the situation in Gaza remains volatile, the international community continues to monitor developments closely. The ongoing exchange of hostilities poses significant risks to the fragile peace established through the ceasefire.
