Israeli strikes kill 18 in Gaza; minister skeptical of deal

Israeli airstrikes pounded Gaza for a second consecutive day on Sunday, August 2, killing at least 18 Palestinians, according to medics. The intensified attacks came despite a recent announcement by US President Donald Trump of a breakthrough in efforts to implement a previous ceasefire agreement.

From dawn, Israeli warplanes targeted Gaza City, the central city of Deir al-Balah, and the southern area of Khan Younis. Palestinian health officials reported the highest daily death toll in weeks. The strikes hit residential apartments, tents, and a house, with casualties including a couple and their young son, and another couple with their child.

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In the deal we signed with the United States, our stance is that Hamas must be dismantled. This is the first thing that must happen.

Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet, expressed skepticism about Hamas disarming. He told Israel's Army Radio that no deal was in place to halt attacks on Gaza. Cohen suggested Israel might need to take full control of the enclave if Hamas did not disarm, stating, "In the deal we signed with the United States, our stance is that Hamas must be dismantled. This is the first thing that must happen."

A spokesperson for Netanyahu's office later told Reuters that Israel had conveyed concerns to the US regarding the disarmament plan. "The most important concern for Israel is that nothing can happen before Hamas completely and truly disarms...," said Doron Spielman. The Israeli military stated that strikes in Deir al-Balah targeted two Hamas commanders, and other strikes targeted "military operatives," though the military was still reviewing those situations. Earlier reports indicated a strike on a car near Saraya Square killed at least three Palestinians.

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The most important concern for Israel is that nothing can happen before Hamas completely and truly disarms ...