Israel Resumes Gaza Ceasefire After 104 Killed

Israel said it resumed enforcing the U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire on Wednesday after overnight airstrikes that Gazan health officials said killed at least 104 people, including dozens of children — the deadliest strikes since the truce began on Oct. 10. Israeli leaders framed the strikes as retaliation for alleged Hamas violations, citing an ambush in Rafah that killed one Israeli soldier and the group's disputed return of partial hostage remains; Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered “powerful strikes,” and the IDF said it hit dozens of targets and eliminated senior operatives. Hamas denied responsibility for the soldier’s death, accused Israel of violating the truce and said it would delay handing over another hostage’s body. Gaza hospitals warned the casualty toll could rise as many wounded remain critical and medical services struggle to cope. U.S. President Donald Trump defended Israel’s response and said the ceasefire — part of a hostage-exchange deal — was not at risk. The outbreak of heavy strikes, with casualty figures that vary by source and are not independently verified, represents the most serious test of the fragile truce and complicates planned next steps such as further hostage returns, disarmament and deployment of international security forces.