- Israeli strikes have killed at least 18 Palestinians in Gaza, marking the biggest daily death toll in weeks, according to Palestinian health officials.
- Hamas has agreed to a disarmament deal, which would involve handing over its weapons to US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace.
- Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen stated that no deal had been reached to halt attacks on Gaza, emphasizing the need for Israel to take full control if Hamas does not disarm.
- Israeli military aircraft targeted areas including Gaza City, Khan Younis, and Deir el-Balah during the recent strikes.
- Palestinian officials reported that at least 13 people, including several children, were killed in the strikes prior to the latest toll.
- More than 1,100 Palestinians have been killed since a supposed ceasefire came into effect last October, highlighting the ongoing violence in the region.
- Hamas has insisted that Israel must stop its attacks and withdraw troops before it will agree to disarm.
- Israeli officials remain skeptical about Hamas' willingness to disarm, with concerns expressed to the US regarding the disarmament plan.
Israeli airstrikes on Gaza resulted in the deaths of at least 18 Palestinians, including children, marking the deadliest day in weeks. The strikes occurred despite Hamas' acceptance of a disarmament plan proposed by the US, which aims to facilitate peace in the region.27
The Israeli military targeted what it described as military operatives in Gaza, killing two Hamas commanders and a militant involved in planning attacks against Israel. The strikes were reported in Gaza City, Khan Younis, and Deir el-Balah, with Palestinian health officials confirming multiple casualties, including a family of three.
Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen stated there is no agreement to halt the attacks, expressing skepticism about Hamas' willingness to disarm. He emphasized that if Hamas does not comply, Israel may need to take full control of the territory, which is currently under 70% Israeli control. Cohen remarked, “In the deal we signed with the United States, our stance is that Hamas must be dismantled. This is the first thing that must happen.”
Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts led by Trump's Board of Peace, which aims to implement a ceasefire, tensions remain high. A senior Hamas official accused Israel of escalating violence to undermine peace efforts, stating, “This escalation... clearly demonstrates that the occupation government is seeking to undermine efforts aimed at ending the war.”
Since the ceasefire began last October, over 1,230 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes, while four Israeli soldiers have also died during this period.1
“Gaza's Civil Defence said warplanes struck Gaza City, Khan Younis and Deir el-Balah; at least 1,230 Palestinians have been killed since the October ceasefire. Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen said he was 'very sceptical' Hamas would disarm and saw a need for Israel to take full control if it did not.”
BBC
