President Donald J. Trump said that “rogue elements” within Hamas were likely responsible for a ceasefire violation and attack on Israeli forces in southern Gaza earlier that morning.
Speaking aboard Air Force One on his return from a campaign event in Pennsylvania, President Trump told reporters that initial U.S. intelligence suggested the assault was carried out by factions acting independently of Hamas’s central leadership.
“We think maybe the leadership isn’t involved in that, that it’s some rebels within,” the President said. “It’s going to be handled toughly, but properly.”
The President reaffirmed U.S. support for Israel’s right to defend itself but emphasized the need to maintain restraint to prevent broader escalation. Israeli officials, meanwhile, reported casualties following the incident and accused Hamas of breaching the recently brokered ceasefire agreement.
White House sources confirmed that National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo were in communication with both Israeli and Qatari diplomats to assess the situation and determine appropriate next steps.
