US President Donald Trump has defended Israel’s recent air strikes on Gaza, stating that Israel ‘should hit back’ if its soldiers are killed. The strikes, which resulted in at least 38 fatalities according to Gaza’s civil defence agency, were ordered by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after Hamas was accused of violating the fragile ceasefire. Hamas, however, denied the allegations and reaffirmed its commitment to the US-brokered truce. Trump emphasized that ‘nothing was going to jeopardise’ the ceasefire, even as tensions escalated. The conflict, which began with Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel, has already claimed thousands of lives. Despite the ceasefire, the situation remains precarious, with both sides accusing each other of breaching the agreement. The return of hostages’ bodies has become a contentious issue, with Hamas claiming it needs more time to locate the remains buried under Gaza’s war-torn landscape. Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance expressed confidence that the ceasefire would hold, despite the ongoing ‘skirmishes.’ On the ground, Gaza residents fear a resurgence of violence, with one local stating, ‘We want to rest. I believe the war will come back.’
Trump defends Israel’s strikes on Gaza, says ‘should hit back’ if soldiers are killed
