- May 14, 2026
International Desk | PNN
The Israeli military resumed attacks on Gaza on Sunday, declaring that it was enforcing the national ceasefire again after claiming Hamas had “clearly violated” the truce agreement. According to Israel, its troops in southern Gaza’s Rafah area came under attack by “anti-tank missiles and gunfire,” resulting in the deaths of two soldiers.
Hamas has denied any involvement, claiming it was “unaware” of such incidents and that there were no reports of clashes in areas under Israeli control. Israel stated that it struck Hamas targets in retaliation, and hospital sources reported that 44 people were killed in the strikes.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that the ceasefire was reinstated after 9 p.m. and warned of a strong response to any further violations. However, the statement did not clarify whether the earlier decision to suspend humanitarian aid flows into Gaza had been reversed.
The agreement, which came into effect on October 10, outlined that during the first phase of the ceasefire, both sides would halt firing, Israel would partially withdraw its forces, and humanitarian aid to Gaza would be increased. Hamas had released all its living hostages and returned the bodies of 12 deceased individuals, while Israel had freed 250 Palestinian prisoners, released 1,718 Gaza detainees, and returned 15 bodies.
On Sunday, the Israeli military said that after its forces were attacked in Rafah, it launched multiple strikes on Hamas positions, causing significant damage across Gaza. Many of those killed were reportedly Hamas military commanders and members of its special forces.
Meanwhile, Hamas accused Israel of supporting a “criminal gang” in Gaza that, according to them, is trained and armed by Israeli forces.
U.S. President Donald Trump also condemned Hamas, saying that its “barbaric behavior” and attacks on the people of Gaza would provoke “even stronger responses” in the future. He added, “If Hamas continues killing people in Gaza, we will have to use our power.”
In the aftermath of the strikes, doctors in Gaza expressed concern over the large number of civilians seriously injured in the bombings.
Currently, the United States is mediating efforts to restore the ceasefire, while global leaders continue to press both Israel and Hamas to take steps toward peace following the renewed escalation.
