Trump Says Gaza Ceasefire Still Holding Despite Israeli Strikes

WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza remains in effect, despite a series of Israeli airstrikes that have killed dozens of Palestinians since the truce began on October 10.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump insisted that Washington remains committed to maintaining calm in the region and ensuring that the ceasefire holds.

“We’re going to have to see what’s happening. We want to make sure that it’s going to be very peaceful with Hamas,” Trump said, acknowledging reports of ongoing violence in Gaza.

He added that while there had been some shooting incidents, he believed “the leadership [of Hamas] isn’t involved in that,” attributing the clashes to “some rebels within.”

“But either way, it’s going to be handled properly. It’s going to be handled toughly, but properly,” the president added.

When asked directly whether the ceasefire was still in place, Trump replied, “Yes.”

Earlier Sunday, Gaza’s Government Media Office reported that at least 97 Palestinians have been killed and 230 injured since the ceasefire took effect, accusing Israel of committing 80 documented violations of the truce.

The statement said the Israeli army had engaged in “direct gunfire at civilians, shelling, deliberate targeting, and the creation of fire belts,” calling the actions a “flagrant breach of international humanitarian law.”

The latest escalation threatens to undermine the fragile U.S.-brokered truce, which was announced earlier this month as part of a peace initiative aimed at ending two years of devastating conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Under the deal proposed by the Trump administration, Israel agreed to a gradual troop withdrawal, a mutual prisoner exchange, and the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, while Hamas committed to laying down its arms.

However, continued Israeli operations in Gaza have cast doubt on the durability of the ceasefire, with analysts warning that renewed violence could derail the peace process.

Diplomatic observers say Trump’s latest remarks signal a cautious approach from Washington, balancing strong U.S. support for Israel with the need to maintain regional stability amid mounting civilian casualties.