Netanyahu Orders Gaza Strikes, Jeopardizing Trump-Brokered Ceasefire Amid Hostage Disputes

The fragile ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, is increasingly at risk as Hamas militants continue to violate the truce, including attacks on Israeli troops and deceptive actions such as staging the false discovery of hostage remains. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has responded by ordering powerful strikes across Gaza, including hits near Gaza City and its largest hospital, challenging the ceasefire's durability. Despite U.S. efforts and assurances from officials like Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace, tensions escalate due to Hamas's refusal to fully return the bodies of slain hostages and ongoing violence. U.S. and Israeli officials have proposed creating a safe zone within Gaza to protect civilians amid reports of Hamas executions and internal conflicts, though humanitarian groups warn this could worsen the situation. The Israeli military accuses Hamas of manipulating the ceasefire terms, while the Trump administration urges restraint and adherence to its 20-point peace plan, emphasizing disarmament and cessation of violence as critical to preserving the ceasefire. The situation remains volatile as both sides test the limits of the ceasefire, with international observers watching closely to see if peace can hold or if conflict will resume.