The fragile ceasefire, which began October 10, between Israel and Hamas in Gaza is under threat again, after deadly attacks from both sides shook the truce.
The fighting left at least 26 Palestinians and two Israeli soldiers dead, marking the most serious test yet to the peace deal brokered by the United States.
Israel launched a wave of airstrikes across the enclave on Sunday.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the strikes were retaliation for an earlier anti-tank missile attack from Rafah in southern Gaza that killed two of its soldiers.
Hamas denied involvement, saying it remains committed to the truce and has had no contact with militant groups in Rafah months ago.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military said that they only targeted Hamas field commanders, tunnels, and weapons depots.
On the other hand, US President Donald Trump clarified the agreement remains in place, but admitted it’s unclear who started the latest clashes.
In other developments, Israel resumed deploying aid deliveries in Gaza after the US pressured them.
It can be recalled Israel said it will keep the Rafah border crossing closed, blocking humanitarian aid from entering Gaza until Hamas fulfills its ceasefire obligations, including handing over the remaining bodies of deceased hostages.
Unfortunately, fearing the ceasefire may collapse, some families in Gaza have begun leaving their homes again.