Israeli strikes kill 18 in Gaza as ceasefire efforts face new setbacks

Israeli airstrikes across Gaza have killed at least 18 Palestinians, according to Palestinian health officials, as efforts to advance a ceasefire plan face renewed challenges.

Strikes hit Gaza as talks continue

The strikes hit areas including Gaza City, Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis, marking the highest daily death toll in weeks, according to Palestinian officials.

Medics said attacks hit tents, homes and an apartment building, killing families among those affected. The Israeli military said some strikes targeted Hamas commanders and military operatives, adding that it was reviewing the reports.

The attacks came days after U.S. President Donald Trump said Hamas and other armed groups had agreed to disarm as part of efforts to implement a previous ceasefire agreement.

Israel demands Hamas disarmament

Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet, said Israel would give Hamas an opportunity to disarm but expressed scepticism that the group would comply.

Cohen said there was no agreement to halt Israeli operations in Gaza and argued that Hamas must be dismantled before further steps could be taken.

A spokesperson for Netanyahu’s office said Israel had raised concerns with Washington over the disarmament plan, saying nothing could happen before Hamas “completely and truly disarms”.

Hamas accuses Israel of undermining ceasefire efforts

Hamas said it had shown flexibility but accused Israel of intensifying attacks to create new realities on the ground.

The group has said it would only consider handing over weapons after Israel stops attacks and withdraws forces, in line with other terms of the ceasefire agreement.

Meanwhile, Nickolay Mladenov, the U.S.-led Board of Peace’s envoy for Gaza, said efforts were continuing with mediators and regional partners to reduce tensions and create conditions for implementing the proposed roadmap.

The conflict has continued despite the ceasefire agreement reached in October. Gaza health authorities say more than 1,200 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes since then, while Israel says four of its soldiers have been killed during the same period.

Read more: 

• Arab states welcome Gaza agreement, urge Israel to fully implement deal
• Israel to allow international force into Gaza, official says
• Gaza hunger crisis worsens as aid cuts threaten millions

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Politics Israel Gaza israel gaza conflict Netanyahu Trump