At least 15 killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza; attacks continue despite ceasefire hopes

Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip killed at least 15 Palestinians on Sunday, marking the second consecutive day of attacks. The strikes targeted military objectives in Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, and Jabalia, according to Palestinian reports and the Israeli military.

The Israeli military stated that an airstrike on an apartment in Deir al-Balah specifically targeted two commanders from Hamas's elite "Nukhba" force. This occurred even as U.S. President Donald Trump had announced a breakthrough in efforts to implement a ceasefire agreement, raising hopes for a de-escalation of the conflict.

“

Israel will give Hamas the opportunity to disarm, but I doubt very much that this will happen.

However, skepticism remains regarding the ceasefire's implementation. Israel's Energy Minister Eli Cohen expressed doubt that Hamas would disarm, stating that Israel would give them the opportunity but doubted it would happen. Cohen emphasized that there is no agreement to halt attacks on Gaza and that Israel must take full control of the coastal territory if Hamas does not lay down its weapons.

Palestinian officials accused Israel of trying to create faits accomplis by intensifying attacks. Since a ceasefire was reached in October, at least 1,230 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks, according to Gaza's health authorities. Four Israeli soldiers have died in the same period, according to Israeli figures.

“

In the agreement we signed with the United States, our position is that Hamas must be destroyed.