Gaza Ceasefire Teeters as US Urges Israeli Restraint Amid Ongoing Response

The landmark Gaza peace agreement is hanging by a thread as the United States makes urgent diplomatic interventions to prevent its total collapse following violations by Hamas. The White House has reportedly delivered direct messages to Israel urging a “proportionate” military response that does not “blow up the agreement,” even as Israeli sources indicate their actions are not yet concluded.
The crisis deepened significantly over the weekend after Israeli forces clashed with armed Hamas operatives emerging from tunnels in southern Gaza on Saturday. The IDF launched an airstrike in one incident, asserting it was a defensive measure allowed under the ceasefire terms after troops came under imminent threat. These clashes followed Hamas’s failure to return the remains of at least 18 slain Israeli hostages, a key precondition for advancing the peace process, leading Israel to shut the crucial Rafah crossing indefinitely on Saturday.
In response to the volatile situation, senior Trump administration advisors Jared Kushner and Larry Witkoff reportedly communicated directly with Israeli Ambassador Ron Dermer, conveying the U.S. demand for a measured response. A separate message reiterated the American stance: “Respond, but don’t go too far.” The core objective, according to U.S. officials, is to prevent the fragile ceasefire, brokered just last week, from disintegrating completely.
Adding another layer to the complex situation, an Israeli defense source suggested that Iran is likely behind Hamas’s provocative actions, viewing the violation as an attempt by Tehran to sabotage the U.S.-led peace initiative.
Despite the ongoing tensions and Israel’s closure of Rafah, there are tentative signs that a path back may exist. A U.S. official stated Sunday night that Israel had informed Washington of its intention to reopen the Gaza crossings on Monday morning. This potential reopening, however, remains unconfirmed by Israel and would contrast sharply with Prime Minister Netanyahu’s earlier declaration linking the crossings to the return of all hostage remains.
The severity of the crisis is underscored by Prime Minister Netanyahu cancelling a scheduled testimony before Israel’s High Court this week. Citing an “urgent political meeting,” the cancellation highlights the intense, high-level focus on managing the fallout and deciding the next steps.
To further bolster diplomatic efforts, U.S. Senator JD Vance is scheduled to arrive in Israel on Monday. His mission is to push for the “full implementation” of the agreement, mediating between the U.S. demand for restraint and Israel’s security imperative following the attacks, all while pressing for a resolution to the stalled return of hostage remains. The coming hours are critical as the U.S. scrambles to salvage a deal celebrated just days ago as a “historic dawn.”