Trump asserts Gaza cease‑fire still in place as Israel and Hamas trade breach accusations
WASHINGTON — As tensions in the Gaza conflict surged once more this weekend, U.S. President Donald Trump declared the cease‑fire between Gaza’s territory and the militant group Hamas remains in effect — even as both Hamas and Israel Defense Forces (IDF) accuse the other of violating the truce.
Cease‑fire in place, Trump says
When asked aboard Air Force One whether the truce was still operational, Trump responded simply: “Yeah, it is.” He clarified that although there had been an incident, he believed the leadership of Hamas was not behind the alleged breach — pointing instead to “some rebels within”.
The cease‑fire in question took effect on 10 October 2025 and was a culmination of a U.S.‑brokered deal aimed at halting more than two years of war in Gaza.
What triggered the fresh flare‑up
According to Israeli military statements, the IDF launched air‑strikes in southern Gaza — particularly around Rafah — after militants fired an anti‑tank missile and opened fire on Israeli troops in the area. The IDF declared these actions a “blatant violation” of the truce.
Palestinian witnesses and Gaza’s civil defence agency reported at least 45 deaths across the territory in the air‑strikes. Meanwhile, Hamas’ armed wing maintained it had “no knowledge” of any clashes in Rafah, accusing Israel of “fabricated pretexts to justify its crimes.”
Why Trump stressed the truce still holds
For President Trump, the cease‑fire is both a diplomatic achievement and a strategic leverage point. His administration emphasised the deal’s importance in his broader 20‑point peace plan for Gaza, which included the release of hostages, Palestinian prisoner exchanges, and eventual disarmament of Hamas.
By reaffirming the cease‑fire remains in place, Trump signals that despite the flare‑up, the framework of the deal remains valid — and the U.S. will continue to monitor compliance. His comment that leadership may not have sanctioned the breach helps sidestep assigning full blame to Hamas at this stage, while underscoring U.S. engagement in overseeing the truce.
The deeper challenges
While the cease‑fire marked progress, analysts warn of underlying fragility. Crucial issues remain unresolved: how and when Hamas will disarm, how Israel will manage its military presence and withdrawal, how reconstruction and humanitarian aid in Gaza will proceed, and how long‑term governance of the territory will be structured.
Some critics assert that unless the U.S. holds both sides accountable — especially Israel, which has in the past resumed military operations once cease‑fires expired — the agreement risks becoming another short‑lived pause in fighting rather than a lasting peace.
What’s next on the horizon
In light of the incident:
Israel paused aid shipments into Gaza in response to what it described as Hamas violations. Trump’s reaffirmation of the truce aims to prevent a spiral back into full‑scale war.
The U.S. State Department issued warnings about potential Hamas plans to attack Palestinian civilians — a grave breach of the agreement if proven.
Both sides are under pressure: Israel from its own political hard‑liners to “finish the job”; Hamas from the expectation to demonstrate compliance and avoid giving Israel a justification to resume heavy hostilities.
Why this matters
The Gaza war has inflicted immense humanitarian devastation. A sustainable cease‑fire not only saves lives — but also shapes regional stability, U.S. influence in the Middle East, and future relations between Israel, Hamas, and neighbouring states. The fact that the deal is brokered by the U.S., and personally endorsed by Trump, means Washington has a reputational stake in its success.
If the cease‑fire collapses, the consequences could include: renewed full‑scale war, mass displacement of civilians, further destruction of Gaza’s infrastructure, and escalation into neighbouring fronts. If it holds, the deal could become a stepping‑stone toward reconstruction, prisoner exchanges, and even a more durable peace framework.
In summary
President Trump’s declaration that the Gaza cease‑fire remains valid comes at a delicate moment. Despite clear signs of stress, the truce still stands — according to his remarks — and the U.S. is implicitly positioned as its guarantor. Whether this moment becomes a turning point toward peace or another temporary pause ultimately depends on whether both Israel and Hamas follow through on the deal’s obligations and whether the U.S. is willing to hold them to account.
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