It has been tested and challenged, but this fragile ceasefire remains in place. And for that, at least, the Middle East is presently breathing a sign of relief.

There are probably three factors at play here.

Firstly, Israel, and particularly Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, felt it had to respond to a series of provocations.

Foremost among them today was an attack against one of its soldiers , who was in Israeli-controlled territory when targeted.

A week ago, Israel responded to the killing of two of its soldiers with devastating air strikes on the Gaza Strip, so a pattern was established: "If you attack our people, we will target you, but with greater ferocity."

Image: Hamas militants carry a bag believed to contain a body during a search for the remains of hostages in Gaza. Pi

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