U.S.-Brokered Gaza Truce Remains Fragile

The U.S.-brokered ceasefire in Gaza remains fragile amid repeated alleged breaches and renewed violence that has killed Palestinians and Israeli soldiers, with slow progress on returning hostages and delivering aid. President Donald Trump reiterated threats to “eradicate” Hamas if it violates the truce, while saying the U.S. will not send ground troops and suggesting he could ask Israel to act. Vice President J.D. Vance, visiting Israel, said the deal was going better than expected but pressed for Hamas disarmament as mediators push toward a more difficult second phase requiring painful concessions. Hamas delegates told Turkish officials they remain committed to the deal but accused Israel of violations, even as some attacks on Israeli forces were blamed on operatives inside Gaza. Observers warn Hamas has historically used truces instrumentally—invoking the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah as a model—complicating prospects for a durable settlement even as mediators including Egypt, Qatar and Turkey press reciprocal concessions and a pathway toward a Palestinian state.