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

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza targeted at least nine Palestinians on Sunday, despite President Trump's announcement of a breakthrough in implementing last year's Gaza ceasefire agreement. Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen stated there was no deal to halt attacks and suggested Israel needed to take full control of the territory, which currently comprises 70% of Gaza.

Palestinian health officials reported strikes across Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, and Khan Younis. In Deir al-Balah, a man and his wife were killed, while four residents were wounded in an apartment strike. Two others, including a child, were killed in Gaza City. A father, mother, and their 9-year-old son perished in Khan Younis. The Israeli military claimed the Deir al-Balah strikes targeted two Hamas "Nukhba" force commanders, and the Gaza City and Jabalia strikes aimed at military operatives.

Since the October ceasefire, over 1,230 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes. Trump claimed a breakthrough after Hamas agreed to disarm via a U.S.-backed plan to implement the 2018 Egypt-backed ceasefire. However, the 15-point roadmap setting out the final steps for agreement implementation remains unimplemented. Hamas has demanded Israel halt military operations and withdraw forces before turning over weapons for storage, a demand Israeli officials say will not be met unless Hamas demonstrates a genuine disarmament.