Israeli airstrikes have killed at least nine Palestinians in Gaza over the past two days. This occurred despite an announcement by US President Donald Trump regarding a breakthrough in efforts to implement a Gaza ceasefire agreement. Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen stated on Sunday that no deal exists to halt these attacks. He also expressed a need for Israel to take full control of the Gaza Strip, where it already controls 70% of the territory.
The latest casualties include a man and his wife killed in an airstrike in Deir al-Balah, which also wounded four others. In Gaza City, two more people, including a child, died in a separate strike. A father, mother, and their 9-year-old son were killed in Khan Younis after a house was hit. Another individual died near Jabalia in northern Gaza. These attacks highlight the severe human cost of the ongoing conflict in the region.
This escalation comes amidst broader regional instability and persistent efforts to broker peace. The Gaza Strip has been under an Israeli blockade since 2007, leading to significant economic hardship and humanitarian challenges for its 2 million residents. The current violence follows a ceasefire agreement reached last year in Egypt, which has seen limited implementation. The continued conflict impacts regional trade routes and investor confidence, particularly in energy and infrastructure projects.
Minister Cohen, a member of Prime Minister Netanyahu's security cabinet, emphasized the lack of a deal. He stated there was no agreement to halt attacks on Gaza. The security cabinet is a small group of ministers responsible for overseeing Israel's security and diplomatic policies. His remarks directly contradict President Trump's earlier optimism about a breakthrough.
The Israeli military stated that the strikes in Deir al-Balah targeted two commanders of Hamas' elite "Nukhba" force. They also claimed the Gaza City and Jabalia strikes targeted "military operatives." However, the military indicated it was still reviewing the situation regarding these specific incidents. Palestinian health officials provided details on the civilian casualties, painting a grim picture of the impact on residents.
Since a ceasefire was reached in October, at least 1,230 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes. President Trump had announced on Thursday that Hamas agreed to disarm under a US-backed initiative. This initiative aimed to implement the ceasefire agreement from last year. The US-led Board of Peace, overseeing the ceasefire, published a 15-point roadmap for implementation on Friday.
However, this roadmap has yet to be put into practice. Hamas has maintained it will only surrender its weapons after Israel halts military operations and withdraws its forces. This is in line with the agreement made last year. An Israeli official, speaking to Reuters, countered this by stating no withdrawal would occur without "genuine disarmament" by Hamas. This impasse suggests continued friction and potential for further conflict.
The implications of these developments are significant for regional stability. The failure to implement the ceasefire agreement could lead to further humanitarian crises in Gaza. It also poses challenges for international diplomatic efforts to achieve lasting peace. Decision-makers and global markets will closely watch for any signs of de-escalation or further conflict. The ongoing violence could deter foreign investment and disrupt economic activities across the broader Middle East.