Continued Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza Amid Potential Ceasefire Developments
The conflict in Gaza escalated with Israeli airstrikes killing at least nine Palestinians over the weekend. This occurred despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of progress in implementing last year’s Gaza ceasefire agreement.
Israeli Stance on Ceasefire
Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen stated on Sunday that no agreement had been reached to end the attacks. He expressed a desire for Israel, which currently governs 70% of the Gaza Strip, to take complete control. Cohen is part of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s security cabinet, responsible for overseeing security and diplomatic decisions.
Impact on Gaza
Palestinian health officials reported multiple airstrikes across the region, including northern Gaza City, the central area of Deir al-Balah, and the southern region of Khan Younis. A strike on an apartment in Deir al-Balah resulted in the deaths of a man and his wife and injured four others. Another strike in Gaza City killed two individuals, one of them a child.
In Khan Younis, a father, mother, and their 9-year-old son died in a dawn strike on their home. Another individual was killed near Jabalia in northern Gaza. The Israeli military claimed the Deir al-Balah strikes targeted Hamas commanders, while other strikes focused on “military operatives.” The situation is under military review.
Since the October ceasefire, Israeli strikes have resulted in at least 1,230 Palestinian deaths.
Trump’s Peace Plan and Roadmap
President Trump announced progress after Hamas agreed to dismantle weapons under a U.S.-backed ceasefire implementation plan. The U.S.-led Board of Peace released a 15-point roadmap for the agreement’s final steps. However, the roadmap remains unimplemented.
Hamas stipulated disarmament would occur only if Israel halts military actions and withdraws forces per the agreement. An Israeli official indicated no military withdrawal would occur without Hamas undergoing “genuine disarmament.” Cohen expressed skepticism over Hamas disarmament intentions, fearing they would continue to conceal weaponry.
Reactions and International Efforts
Prime Minister Netanyahu has not publicly addressed the initiative. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir criticized it and advocated for continuing strikes on Hamas leaders.
Former senior Fatah official Mohammed Dahlan, now in the UAE, shared on Facebook that Jared Kushner, Trump’s advisor, was collaborating with Israel to halt Gaza attacks. Dahlan emphasized ongoing U.S. communications to ensure full agreement implementation, contingent on Israel ceasing daily attacks on Gaza.
Reuters reached out to the U.S. State Department for comments on Dahlan’s statements, but no immediate response from the U.S. or Israel has been given.