- Hamas has agreed to a disarmament deal, which would involve handing over its weapons to a US-backed committee.
- Israeli strikes have killed at least 13 people in Gaza, including several children, according to Palestinian officials.
- Israel has expressed serious concerns regarding the Hamas disarmament deal, indicating skepticism about Hamas's willingness to relinquish its weapons.
- Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen stated that no deal had been reached to stop attacks on Gaza, emphasizing the need for full Israeli control if Hamas does not disarm.
- Israel's military operations in Gaza have resulted in significant casualties, with more than 1,100 Palestinians reported killed since a ceasefire was supposed to be in effect last October.
- Hamas has indicated its willingness to disarm as part of a US-brokered ceasefire, stating that the responsibility now lies with Israel to fulfill its obligations.
Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of at least 13 individuals, including children, amid escalating tensions following Hamas' acceptance of a disarmament deal. The strikes occurred over two consecutive nights, targeting areas such as Gaza City, Khan Younis, and Deir el-Balah, according to Gaza's Civil Defence Authority.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that their operations aimed to eliminate military operatives, claiming to have killed two Hamas commanders involved in planning attacks against Israel. Despite Hamas' willingness to disarm as part of a US-brokered ceasefire, Israeli officials remain skeptical about the group's commitment to relinquishing its weapons.
Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen emphasized that no agreement has been reached to halt attacks on Gaza, asserting the need for full Israeli control if Hamas does not disarm. He stated, “Our assessment is that if we redeploy before Hamas is truly disarmed, it will quickly expand its presence throughout Gaza.”4
The 20-point ceasefire plan proposed by former President Trump includes provisions for Hamas to surrender its weapons and the establishment of a new Palestinian government. However, the disarmament of Hamas has been a significant sticking point, complicating negotiations for months.
As violence continues, the humanitarian toll has been severe, with over 73,000 fatalities reported in Gaza since the conflict escalated, following the October 7 attacks by Hamas that killed around 1,200 Israelis.
“A spokesperson for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the IDF will not withdraw from Gaza before Hamas disarms, warning that redeploying early could risk another October 7-style attack. Hamas says it is ready to lay down its arms under the US-brokered ceasefire signed nine months ago, adding that Israel must fulfill its obligations.”
