Escalation in Gaza Tests Fragile Israel-Hamas Ceasefire

Thu Dec 18 2025 21:09:36 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Recent violence has shaken the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, raising concerns about the stability of ongoing peace efforts.

One week post-ceasefire, violence in Gaza escalates as Israeli military strikes followed the death of Israeli soldiers, leading to a significant loss of Palestinian lives. The situation raises questions about the sustainability of peace efforts and highlights the ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas.

One week ago, US President Donald Trump was given a hero's welcome in Israel after securing the Gaza ceasefire and exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners.

But the days since have shown just how precarious the ceasefire is, and Sunday brought its biggest test so far.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a series of deadly strikes across Gaza, after two soldiers were killed in an attack it blamed on Hamas. An Israeli security official announced the suspension of aid deliveries.

It appears US pressure ensured the truce was not derailed and that Israel's crossings with Gaza reopened on Monday. Now it is clear mediators must stay closely involved to shore up the deal and settle key issues on the future of Gaza and Hamas.

... At least 45 Palestinians were killed, local hospitals say, after the IDF said it struck dozens of Hamas terror targets throughout the Gaza Strip.

The latest events have Israeli commentators focusing once again on the weaknesses of the deal agreed by Israel and Hamas. In Israel's Haaretz newspaper, journalist and author Amir Tibon notes that it was full of vague wording that left significant loopholes.

With Palestinians expressing confusion about the exact location of the line, the IDF has put out a video showing bulldozers towing yellow blocks into place to mark it out. These developments indicate the ongoing challenges and complexities in achieving a lasting peace in the region.