CAIRO/JERUSALEM — Israeli airstrikes in Gaza persisted for a second day on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of at least nine Palestinians. This occurred despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a breakthrough in implementing last year’s Gaza ceasefire agreement.
Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen stated on Sunday that no agreement existed to halt the attacks. He emphasized the importance of Israel taking full control of the Strip, where they already control 70%. Cohen is part of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s security cabinet, which is responsible for security and diplomatic policy.
Palestinian health officials reported that Israeli airstrikes took place across the enclave in northern Gaza City, the central city of Deir al-Balah, and the southern area of Khan Younis. In Deir al-Balah, an airstrike on an apartment killed a man and his wife, and four others were wounded. Two people, including a child, were killed in Gaza City, according to medics.
A Palestinian man surveys the aftermath of an Israeli airstrike on a residential building in Gaza City on August 2. Photo by Majdi Fathi/NurPhoto via Getty Images.
In Khan Younis’ Mawasi area, a father, mother, and their 9-year-old son were killed around dawn due to a strike on their house. Another individual was killed near Jabalia in northern Gaza.
The Israeli military reported that the strikes in Deir al-Balah targeted commanders of Hamas’ elite “Nukhba” force. The strikes in Gaza City and Jabalia aimed at “military operatives” but the situation was under review.
Since the ceasefire reached in October, Israeli strikes have killed at least 1,230 Palestinians.
President Trump announced on Thursday that Hamas agreed to disarm under a U.S.-backed initiative for implementing last year’s ceasefire agreement. Trump’s Board of Peace, the U.S.-led body overseeing the ceasefire, released a 15-point roadmap on Friday detailing the final steps for implementing the agreement.
Roadmap Yet to be Implemented
Regarding the roadmap, its implementation remains pending. Hamas insists on weapon storage only if Israel halts military operations and withdraws forces, as per last year’s agreement. An Israeli official told Reuters withdrawal will occur only after Hamas undergoes “genuine disarmament”.
Minister Cohen expressed skepticism about Hamas disarming, suspecting that they may attempt to conceal weaponry.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has not publicly addressed the initiative. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir labeled it unacceptable, advocating for continued assassinations of Hamas leaders.
Former senior Fatah official Mohammed Dahlan, currently in the United Arab Emirates, posted on Facebook that Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and senior adviser, was engaging with Israel to cease attacks on Gaza. Dahlan mentioned ongoing U.S. communications aiming to ensure the agreement is fully implemented, attributing its success to Israel’s complete cessation of daily attacks on Gaza.
Reuters sought comments from the U.S. State Department regarding Dahlan’s statements. There has been no immediate response from Israel.
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