JERUSALEM/CAIRO: A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has resumed following a deadly escalation over the weekend that killed at least 26 Palestinians in Gaza, according to local health authorities.

The violence was sparked by a Hamas-led attack that killed two Israeli soldiers, prompting retaliatory Israeli airstrikes described as the most intense since the truce took effect earlier this month.

The Israeli military stated it had targeted Hamas operatives, weapons depots, and tunnels in what it called a response to a “blatant violation” of the ceasefire. One of the strikes reportedly hit a former school sheltering displaced families in Nuseirat. Among the casualties were women and children, according to local residents.

Despite the flare-up, Israeli officials said aid deliveries into Gaza would resume Monday under U.S. pressure. The Rafah border crossing, however, remains closed amid disputes over ceasefire compliance and the handover of deceased hostages.

U.S. President Donald Trump said the ceasefire “is still in place” and suggested Hamas leadership may not have sanctioned the attacks. “Either way, it’s going to be handled toughly but properly,” Trump said aboard Air Force One. He declined to say whether Israel’s response was justified.

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner are expected in Israel Monday to help stabilize the situation. Vice President JD Vance, speaking to reporters, warned that some Hamas cells are unlikely to honor the ceasefire without security enforcement from regional partners.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he ordered a forceful military response to protect the integrity of the ceasefire, which began on October 10 after two years of war. However, both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of multiple breaches in recent days.

A major point of contention remains the recovery of deceased hostages. While Hamas has released all 20 living captives, only 12 of 28 confirmed dead have been returned. Hamas claims special equipment is needed to extract the remaining bodies from rubble caused by earlier Israeli strikes.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. Although aid deliveries through alternate crossings had increased since the truce began, the UN says far more is needed to address widespread famine and displacement. The Rafah crossing, key to humanitarian access, has been largely shut since May.

The long-term future of Gaza remains uncertain, with unresolved questions around Hamas’ disarmament, governance, the potential deployment of a regional stabilization force, and broader peace negotiations toward a Palestinian state.