Israeli strikes kill 18 in Gaza, minister says no deal to halt attacks

On Sunday, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza resulted in the deaths of at least 18 Palestinians, according to medics. The strikes targeted Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, and Khan Younis, marking the highest daily death toll in weeks. US President Donald Trump had announced a breakthrough in efforts to implement the last year's ceasefire agreement earlier in the week, which raised hopes for an end to the conflict.

However, Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen expressed skepticism about Hamas disarming, stating that the government would give the group the opportunity to disarm but not that a deal had been reached to halt attacks. The Israeli military targeted Hamas' elite Nukhba force during some of the strikes. Since the ceasefire was reached in October, at least 1,230 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes, while four Israeli soldiers have been killed in the same period.

Hamas has called for Israel to stop its attacks and withdraw its troops before agreeing to hand over weapons to a new Palestinian body.