Israel Launches Retaliatory Airstrikes After Soldier Killing Amid Gaza Ceasefire

President Donald Trump has expressed strong support for Israel's military response after the killing of an Israeli soldier in Rafah, affirming that Israel has the right to retaliate and that such actions do not endanger the U.S.-brokered ceasefire in Gaza. The Israeli Defense Forces launched airstrikes targeting Hamas positions in Gaza in retaliation, which resulted in significant casualties, including civilians, and Hamas has denied involvement in the soldier's death while reaffirming its commitment to the ceasefire. Despite the escalation, Trump emphasized that Hamas represents a small part of the broader Middle East peace process and warned that if Hamas fails to behave, it could be eliminated by Israel or other countries involved in the peace plan. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered powerful strikes following the incident, and violence continues to challenge the fragile truce established on October 10. U.S. officials, including Vice President JD Vance, remain optimistic that the ceasefire will hold despite ongoing skirmishes. The situation remains tense with both sides accusing each other of ceasefire violations, and the peace plan's future hangs in the balance as Hamas delays handing over a hostage's body in response to Israeli actions.