The Israeli military said Wednesday it resumed enforcing a U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire after overnight strikes launched in response to the killing of an Israeli reservist in Rafah. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance said the truce remained intact despite the flare-up.
On Tuesday, the Israel Defense Forces identified the fallen reservist as Master Sgt. (res.) Yona (Efi) Efraim Feldbaum, 37, a father of five, who was killed by enemy fire in Rafah during operations conducted under the ceasefire framework. Israel has blamed Hamas for the attack; the group has denied responsibility. (washingtonpost.com)
After the incident, the IDF carried out strikes across Gaza and then said it would “renew enforcement” of the truce. In statements echoed by multiple outlets, the military said dozens of targets were hit and, together with the Shin Bet security agency, it struck about 30 militants holding command positions. The IDF added it would continue to uphold the agreement while responding to any violations. Israel said enforcement resumed at 10 a.m. local time on Wednesday. (washingtonpost.com)
Casualty figures from the strikes varied. Gaza’s Health Ministry said 104 people were killed, including women and children. Israel said it targeted militants and cited multiple Hamas-linked sites and operatives. The truce, brokered by the United States, took effect on October 10. (reuters.com)
Israeli officials have also accused Hamas of violating the deal’s provisions on returning the remains of hostages, alleging the group misrepresented a recovery. Hamas has rejected the allegations. (time.com)
Aboard Air Force One, President Trump said the ceasefire was “not going to be jeopardized,” adding that Israel had a right to hit back after “they took out an Israeli soldier,” and warning Hamas to “behave.” (reuters.com)
Vice President JD Vance similarly said the ceasefire was holding despite “little skirmishes,” noting reports that an IDF soldier had been attacked and that Israel was expected to respond. (spacewar.com)
Israel has said the soldier was attacked within a designated deployment zone established by the truce, while Hamas has denied its gunmen carried out the shooting. (reuters.com)