US President Donald Trump has defended Israel’s renewed strikes in Gaza, nearly three weeks into a ceasefire brokered with the help of the US. The strikes were ordered by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in response to Hamas attacks on Israeli soldiers, resulting in the deaths of at least 30 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run government in Gaza.

The Israeli military action was prompted by the killing of an Israeli soldier, which Trump referenced during a press conference aboard Air Force One. He stated that Israel had the right to retaliate, saying “they should hit back” when attacked. Trump also downplayed the impact of the renewed violence on the ceasefire, asserting that “nothing is going to jeopardize” the agreement.

Despite the escalation, Vice President J.D. Vance earlier noted that the ceasefire was holding, apart from “little skirmishes here and there.” However, unnamed senior US officials told Axios that the White House had urged Israel to avoid taking “radical measures” that could collapse the truce.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that two of its soldiers were attacked and killed by Hamas in southern Gaza last week, and additional soldiers came under fire in the same area on Tuesday. Hamas denied involvement in both incidents, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire.

The Palestinian armed group warned that the escalation could delay the recovery and return of the bodies of 13 remaining hostages in Gaza. Israeli officials had previously accused Hamas of dragging its feet in handing over the remains, as agreed upon in the ceasefire mediated by the US, Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye, which took effect on October 10.

The renewed violence has raised concerns about the stability of the ceasefire, which was brokered to bring an end to hostilities in the region. The US has been working to maintain the agreement, and Trump’s comments suggest that he believes Israel’s actions are justified. However, the situation remains volatile, and the next steps in the conflict are uncertain.