Fresh violence erupts in Gaza after the killing of two Israeli soldiers in Rafah; ceasefire in danger

Gaza: Just days after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire brought a brief lull in fighting, violence has once again flared up in the Gaza Strip following the killing of two Israeli soldiers in Rafah. The fresh hostilities have cast a dark shadow over the recently negotiated truce between Israel and Hamas, threatening to derail the fragile peace deal that came into effect only a week ago under the mediation of the U.S. President Donald Trump.
On Sunday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched multiple airstrikes across Gaza in retaliation for the killings in the southern city of Rafah. The strikes have reportedly left at least 45 Palestinians dead, according to local hospitals, including several civilians and children. Israel has accused Hamas of being responsible for the attack on its soldiers, while the militant group has strongly denied any involvement.
A Hamas spokesperson stated that since communications were severed in March, the organization has had no contact with any militant groups operating in the area. In response to the attack, Israel has temporarily suspended humanitarian aid and relief supplies to Gaza, further worsening conditions in the already-besieged territory.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, appointed by President Trump, have returned to the region in an attempt to salvage the peace process. Hamas representatives, however, are currently engaged in separate talks in Cairo with Egyptian mediators and other Palestinian factions.
Second phase of Trump’s peace plan in focus
At the center of discussions is the second phase of Trump’s 20-point peace plan, which includes provisions for the deployment of international forces in Gaza, gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops, and eventually the complete disarmament of Hamas. However, the latest surge in violence has left both sides wary and skeptical of any immediate progress.
Israel has defended its airstrikes, claiming that dozens of Hamas terror targets were destroyed, including tunnels, weapons depots, and command centers. However, distressing images and videos emerging from multiple sites show widespread civilian casualties, sparking outrage across the Arab world and calls for restraint from the United Nations and European Union.
The escalating situation has once again plunged Gaza into chaos, with fears that a full-scale conflict could reignite if diplomatic efforts fail. As of Monday morning, tensions remain high, with both sides trading blame while international mediators scramble to prevent the fragile ceasefire from completely collapsing.