WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump maintained on Sunday that the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas remains intact, even after Israeli forces launched deadly airstrikes in Gaza following alleged violations of the truce.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump dismissed suggestions the agreement had collapsed, arguing that any incidents were likely carried out by rogue elements rather than Hamas’s central leadership.

“The ceasefire is still in place,” he said. “We believe some of this may be the work of rebels within, not the leadership. Either way, it will be dealt with firmly – but fairly.”

Deadliest Flare-Up Since Truce Began

Israel said it had “reinstated enforcement” of the ceasefire after striking Hamas positions on Sunday, accusing the group of firing on Israeli troops. Gaza’s civil defence agency, which operates under the territory’s Hamas-run authorities, reported at least 45 fatalities from the renewed bombardment.

The Israeli military said it was reviewing reports of civilian casualties.

Trump: ‘We Want It Peaceful With Hamas’

Trump, who personally championed the ceasefire agreement brokered earlier this month, expressed hope that the deal would endure.

“We want things to stay peaceful with Hamas,” he said. “They’ve been agitated, there’s been some shooting. But we don’t think the top leadership authorised this.”

His vice president, JD Vance, also tempered expectations, warning reporters that setbacks were inevitable.

“There will be fits and starts,” Vance said. “Hamas will fire. Israel will respond. The question is whether both sides stay committed to the broader peace roadmap.”

A Fragile Truce Under Pressure

The ceasefire, in effect since Oct 10, marked the end of more than two years of relentless conflict that left tens of thousands dead and large parts of Gaza in ruins. The agreement included an exchange of hostages and prisoners, and laid the foundation for future governance plans in Gaza — but its implementation has already been severely tested.

Vance stressed that Gulf Arab nations would need to build a regional “security structure” to ensure Hamas is disarmed, calling it a key condition of long-term stability.

He added that a senior figure from the Trump administration would visit Israel soon to monitor compliance, hinting:

“It might be me.”