One week ago, US President Donald Trump was given a hero's welcome in Israel after securing the Gaza ceasefire and exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners. But the days since have shown just how precarious the ceasefire is, and Sunday brought its biggest test so far.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a series of deadly strikes across Gaza, after two soldiers were killed in the southern city of Rafah in an attack it blamed on Hamas. Hamas said it was not responsible because it had not had contact with fighters in the area since communications were cut off in March.
An Israeli security official announced the suspension of aid deliveries as a result of the attack. It appears US pressure ensured the truce was not derailed and that Israel's crossings with Gaza reopened on Monday. Now it is clear mediators must stay closely involved to shore up the deal and settle key issues on the future of Gaza and Hamas.
Already, the president's special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are back in the region while Hamas negotiators are meeting Egyptian mediators and Palestinian factions in Cairo. All are expected to discuss the second phase of Trump's 20-point peace plan, which involves deploying an international stabilisation force in Gaza, the eventual withdrawal of the IDF and critically, the disarmament of Hamas.
Palestinians and Israelis have been shaken by the latest breakdown. Bereaved father Shadi Abu Obeid recounted his grief after losing his son Mohammed, killed by an Israeli strike, declaring he had only relaxed due to the ceasefire prior to the tragedy. At least 45 Palestinians were reported dead in the wake of Israeli operations targeting Hamas.
The ongoing violence raises serious concerns about the sustainability of the ceasefire, despite statements from Trump's envoys and suggestions of continued US mediation efforts. As the situation unfolds, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu faces domestic pressure, and the future stability of Gaza hangs in the balance.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a series of deadly strikes across Gaza, after two soldiers were killed in the southern city of Rafah in an attack it blamed on Hamas. Hamas said it was not responsible because it had not had contact with fighters in the area since communications were cut off in March.
An Israeli security official announced the suspension of aid deliveries as a result of the attack. It appears US pressure ensured the truce was not derailed and that Israel's crossings with Gaza reopened on Monday. Now it is clear mediators must stay closely involved to shore up the deal and settle key issues on the future of Gaza and Hamas.
Already, the president's special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are back in the region while Hamas negotiators are meeting Egyptian mediators and Palestinian factions in Cairo. All are expected to discuss the second phase of Trump's 20-point peace plan, which involves deploying an international stabilisation force in Gaza, the eventual withdrawal of the IDF and critically, the disarmament of Hamas.
Palestinians and Israelis have been shaken by the latest breakdown. Bereaved father Shadi Abu Obeid recounted his grief after losing his son Mohammed, killed by an Israeli strike, declaring he had only relaxed due to the ceasefire prior to the tragedy. At least 45 Palestinians were reported dead in the wake of Israeli operations targeting Hamas.
The ongoing violence raises serious concerns about the sustainability of the ceasefire, despite statements from Trump's envoys and suggestions of continued US mediation efforts. As the situation unfolds, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu faces domestic pressure, and the future stability of Gaza hangs in the balance.
