U.S. President Donald Trump defended Israel’s renewed strikes in Gaza, which began nearly three weeks after a cease‑fire was brokered with U.S. assistance. The attacks were ordered by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in response to Hamas assaults on Israeli soldiers and have killed at least 30 Palestinians, according to the Hamas‑run government in Gaza.
Trump referenced the killing of an Israeli soldier during a press conference aboard Air Force One, saying Israel has the right to retaliate and that “they should hit back” when attacked. He downplayed the impact of the renewed violence on the cease‑fire, asserting that “nothing is going to jeopardize” the agreement. Vice President J.D. Vance earlier noted that the cease‑fire was holding, aside from “little skirmishes here and there.” Unnamed senior U.S. officials, however, told Axios that the White House had urged Israel to avoid “radical measures” that could collapse the truce.
The Israel Defense Forces reported that two of its soldiers were attacked and killed by Hamas in southern Gaza last week, and that additional soldiers came under fire in the same area on Tuesday. Hamas denied involvement in both incidents, accusing Israel of violating the cease‑fire and warning that the escalation could delay the recovery and return of the bodies of the 13 remaining hostages in Gaza. Israeli officials had previously accused Hamas of dragging its feet in handing over the remains, as stipulated in the cease‑fire mediated by the United States, Egypt, Qatar and Türkiye, which took effect on October 10.
The renewed violence has raised concerns about the stability of the cease‑fire, which was intended to end hostilities in the region. The United States continues to work to preserve the agreement, and Trump’s comments suggest he views Israel’s actions as justified. Nonetheless, the situation remains volatile, and the next steps in the conflict are uncertain.
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