Hamas responded by saying it would delay handing over the body of a hostage, putting new pressure on the tenuous US-brokered ceasefire.

Tank fire and explosions were seen and heard in various parts of Gaza, and at least two Palestinians were killed, according to health officials in the territory.

“That’s doesn’t mean there aren’t going to be little skirmishes here and there,” Mr Vance told reporters on Capitol Hill.

– Fragile ceasefire holds so far despite tests

The ceasefire that began on October 10 has largely held despite at least two previous flare-ups in violence.

On October 19, Israel said two Israeli soldiers were killed by Hamas fire.

Israel responded with a series of strikes that killed over 40 Palestinians, according to local health officials.

And over the weekend, Israel

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