Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza Continue Amid Ceasefire Challenges

The conflict in Gaza has seen escalation for two consecutive days, with Israeli airstrikes resulting in the deaths of at least nine Palestinians. This occurs despite a statement from U.S. President Donald Trump expressing optimism regarding progress in implementing last year’s Gaza ceasefire agreement.

Disagreement Over Ceasefire Implementation

Eli Cohen, Israeli Energy Minister and part of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s security cabinet, stated that no agreement currently exists to cease attacks on Gaza. He expressed the view that Israel should take full control of Gaza, where it currently controls 70% of the territory.

Details of the Airstrikes

Palestinian health officials reported that Israeli warplanes conducted strikes in various locations across the Gaza enclave, including northern Gaza City, the central city of Deir al-Balah, and the southern area of Khan Younis.

In an airstrike on an apartment in Deir al-Balah, a man and his wife were killed, with four others injured. Another attack in Gaza City led to the death of two individuals, including a child. A strike in the Mawasi area of Khan Younis killed a father, mother, and their 9-year-old son. An additional casualty occurred near Jabalia in northern Gaza.

The Israeli military stated that the targets in Deir al-Balah were Hamas commanders from the elite “Nukhba” force. They noted the Gaza City and Jabalia strikes also aimed at “military operatives” but mentioned the situation is still under review.

Since the ceasefire reached in October, Israeli strikes have claimed at least 1,230 Palestinian lives.

Ceasefire Agreement Details

Trump announced a breakthrough, noting Hamas’s agreement to a U.S.-backed initiative to adhere to a ceasefire agreement established last year in Egypt. The U.S.-led Board of Peace released a 15-point roadmap outlining steps for implementing the agreement.

Challenges in Ceasefire Implementation

Though outlined, the roadmap remains unimplemented. Hamas declared it would disarm only if Israel halts military actions and withdraws forces per the prior agreement. An Israeli source stated there would be no military withdrawal without Hamas’s “genuine disarmament.”

Cohen expressed skepticism about Hamas disarming, suspecting they might conceal weaponry instead. Netanyahu has yet to comment, while National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir views the initiative as unacceptable, advocating for continuing to target Hamas leaders.

Mohammed Dahlan, a former senior Fatah official, communicated on Facebook that Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, and advisor, suggested collaboration with Israel to halt Gaza attacks. Dahlan confirmed ongoing U.S. talks to ensure full implementation, stating the initiative’s success hinges on Israel ending daily assaults on Gaza.

Reuters requested comments from the U.S. State Department regarding Dahlan’s statements, but there has been no immediate response from Israel.