Israeli strikes cast doubt on Gaza ceasefire efforts despite renewed diplomatic push

Israeli strikes on Gaza on Sunday killed at least 18 Palestinians, including children and civilians, as hopes for a renewed peace push in the territory hung in the balance. The attacks came after the Trump-led Board of Peace secured an agreement for Hamas to disarm and for Israel to withdraw from Gaza. US officials and regional mediators hailed the progress, but Israeli military spokesman Doron Spielman accused Hamas of rearming after the ceasefire, casting doubt on the ceasefire's effectiveness.

Palestinian residents expressed frustration, with some families losing loved ones to intensified attacks even after ceasefire agreements. Despite diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions, including a meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US envoy Nickolay Mladenov, the violence continued. Analysts argue that Israel's strategy prioritizes military pressure over diplomacy, undermining the prospects for a lasting ceasefire.