Ceasefire in Gaza: USA praises compliance despite new conflicts!

Ceasefire in Gaza: USA praises compliance despite new conflicts!

In the midst of ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, the United States maintains that a ceasefire is intact despite recent escalations. US Vice President JD Vance emphasized that “the ceasefire holds,” even if smaller skirmishes are not ruled out. The background is the Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip, which were carried out in response to an attack by Hamas on Israeli soldiers. President Donald Trump expressed understanding for Israel's actions after a soldier died in those clashes. He describes Hamas as “only a very small part of the overall peace process in the Middle East” and adds another political layer to the complexity of the situation. [Radio Ennepe Ruhr](https://www.radioenneperuhr.de/artikel/trotz-eskalation-usa-gehen- Waffenruhe-in-gaza-intakt-2479306.html) reports that Hamas denies responsibility for the deadly attack and remains committed to the ceasefire.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Hamas' attack crossed a "red line," prompting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to order airstrikes. Interestingly, the US was informed of the attacks in advance, with Washington expecting targeted responses from Israel. A critical voice here comes from a former commander of the Israeli navy, who points out that these coordinations with the USA come with certain costs and that Israel cannot therefore respond with full force. Meanwhile, Hamas's military wing, the Qassam Brigades, confirmed the recovery of more hostages, shedding light on the arrangement under the agreement, which so far only provides for a partial handover.

The path to peace

Although the ceasefire remains in the hands of politicians, the situation remains tense. Meanwhile, Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) emphasized the region's will to maintain peace and the ceasefire. Trump even speaks of a “new era in the Middle East.” Despite optimism, there are still points of contention in the Gaza conflict. The US president has pushed both Israel and Hamas into the first phase of his peace plan, which would include a ceasefire and the return of hostages. An agreement signed in Egypt aims to cement this ceasefire, but the specific measures remain unclear. [ZDF].

While reconstruction and a possible international peacekeeping force are included in the talks, tensions are still evident. French politicians warn of possible terrorist attacks and destabilization. Trump also ultimately wants to reach a major agreement with Iran, which is seen as key to ending the conflict. In view of the circumstances described, Germany and Egypt are planning a reconstruction conference in Cairo and are also discussing possible participation in a UN peacekeeping force, although this depends on a mandate from the United Nations.

Overall, the situation is complex and involves many uncertainties. Despite all efforts to achieve peace, numerous challenges remain.