Gaza death toll mounts as Israel continues strikes despite peace plan 'breakthrough'

On Sunday, at least 16 people lost their lives in Gaza, as Israel continued its relentless attacks on the Palestinian territory, despite US President Donald Trump's announcement of a breakthrough in implementing his peace plan. The Gaza civil defence reported that the death toll reached over 16 citizens and numerous injuries, following more than 10 Israeli raids since the early morning hours.

One Israeli drone strike in Deir Al Balah claimed the lives of two individuals, while an earlier air strike in the same city resulted in the death of a man and his wife, along with four other wounded occupants. In Gaza city, a strike on an apartment claimed the lives of two people, including a child, and injured several others. In the Mawasi area of Khan Younis, a father, mother, and their nine-year-old son perished in a strike early Sunday morning. Another death occurred near Jabalia in the northern part of the coastal strip.

Palestinian health officials have confirmed that Israel's attacks have claimed at least 1,230 lives, predominantly women and children, since a ceasefire agreement went into effect in October under President Trump's peace plan. Mr. Trump claimed on Thursday that there had been a breakthrough after Hamas agreed to disarm as part of a new initiative to implement the ceasefire agreement, which was reached last year in Egypt.

The US-led Board of Peace, overseen by Mr. Trump, released a 15-point roadmap on Friday outlining the final steps for implementing the agreement, including the withdrawal of the Israeli military from Gaza.

Hamas has stated that it will hand over its weapons for storage only after Israel halts military operations and withdraws its forces, as per last year's agreement. However, the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has not responded officially to the roadmap. Israeli officials, including Energy Minister Eli Cohen, have dismissed the proposal, dismissing the possibility of a deal to stop attacks on Gaza.

Cohen believes that Israel must take full control of the territory, as it currently controls 70% of it. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has called the proposal unacceptable and urged Israel to continue targeting Hamas leaders.