In brief
A series of Israeli air strikes on Gaza city and surrounding towns killed at least 13 people, many of whom were children. The attacks occurred after Hamas agreed to a disarmament plan endorsed by a US-led Board of Peace. Israeli officials say the strikes targeted military operatives, while Palestinian authorities report civilian homes were hit. The violence highlights the fragile nature of the ceasefire and raises questions about the practical implementation of the disarmament agreement.
Israel Strikes Gaza Amid Disarmament Deal: 13 Civilian Casualties
At least 13 individuals, including several children, were killed in a series of Israeli air strikes that targeted Gaza City, Khan Younis and Deir el‑Balah. Palestinian civil defence officials attribute the attacks to the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), who claim they were aimed at military operatives located in those areas.
The strikes followed news that Hamas had agreed to a disarmament package presented by the United States – a plan overseen by a Board of Peace led by former President Trump. The Board intends to remove Hamas weapons, enforce a ceasefire and oversee reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
Key Israeli figures have expressed firmness on the issue. The Israeli Energy Minister noted that no cessation of attacks was reached and that Israel might move to full control of Gaza should Hamas fail to comply. Meanwhile, far‑right security officials in Israel dismiss the board’s plan as unacceptable.
Accusations of civilian harm remain high. Palestinian health authorities report deaths inside residential buildings and apartment blocks, with a father, mother and nine‑year‑old son dying after a strike in Khan Younis. A total of around 1,100 Palestinians have died since the ceasefire attempt last October.
US‑led discussions point to a 20‑point roadmap that would guide the disarmament of Hamas, withdrawal of Israeli forces and support Gaza’s reconstruction. The Board of Peace is tasked with overseeing this process, though its implementation remains pending and the details of how weapons are to be handled are still unclear.
Visual material shows the devastation across Gaza, with residents assessing damage and reconstruction progress in the aftermath of the attacks.
