Israel Enforces Ceasefire After Hamas Kills IDF Soldier

Israel has made it clear: the ceasefire remains intact, but so does its right to defend its people. Following the brutal killing of an Israeli soldier by Hamas terrorists, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) responded with decisive precision strikes targeting dozens of high-level terror operatives in Gaza. Despite these countermeasures, Israeli officials reiterated Wednesday that the ceasefire negotiated under President Trump’s leadership still stands.

The IDF confirmed that over 30 terrorists were eliminated, including those in commanding positions, after Hamas broke the terms of the ceasefire by launching an unprovoked sniper attack on Israeli troops near Rafah. The fallen soldier, Master Sergeant Yona Efraim Feldbaum a father of five is the latest reminder of the high cost Israel continues to bear in its fight against terrorism.

In a statement, the IDF emphasized:

• The ceasefire is still in effect, but Israel retains the right to defend itself against violations.

• 30 terrorist leaders were targeted and neutralized in a series of precision strikes following Hamas’ actions.

• The military will continue to enforce the ceasefire with strength, warning that any future violations will be met with force.

President Donald Trump, speaking during his diplomatic visit to Asia, backed Israel’s response without hesitation. “They took out an Israeli soldier,” Trump said. “Israel had every right to retaliate. Nothing’s going to jeopardize the ceasefire but Hamas better behave.”

The President’s message was clear and uncompromising. “They said they would be good, and if they’re good they’re going to be happy. If they’re not good, they’re going to be terminated.” It’s a return to the kind of clarity and strength that marked Trump’s foreign policy in the Middle East where peace through strength wasn’t just a slogan, it was a reality.

Vice President JD Vance echoed the sentiment Tuesday night. “The president achieved a historic peace in the Middle East. The ceasefire is holding. That doesn’t mean there aren’t going to be little skirmishes here and there... but I think the president’s peace is going to hold despite it.”

This ceasefire brokered under Trump’s leadership was never about appeasing terrorists. It was about deterrence. And when that deterrence is tested, as it was this week, Israel has made it clear: it will strike back hard.

Additional context that matters:

• Hamas has a long history of using ceasefires as cover to regroup and rearm. According to the U.S. State Department, Hamas received over $100 million in Iranian military aid in recent years.

• Since October, over 1,200 rockets have been launched from Gaza, many during supposed ceasefire periods.

• Civilian casualties in Gaza continue to rise due to Hamas' use of human shields, a fact confirmed by multiple international observers.

Under Biden, the region descended once again into chaos. But thanks to Trump's restored influence on the world stage, Hamas now understands there’s a cost for their barbarism and that America stands with Israel.

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