Israel’s deadly Gaza strikes cast doubt on ceasefire progress days after Kushner visit

Deadly airstrikes in Gaza on Wednesday raised questions about the effectiveness of recent U.S. efforts to revive a fragile cease-fire in the Palestinian territory. Just two days after U.S. negotiators reportedly urged Israel to reduce attacks in Gaza, ten people were killed in two separate strikes, according to local hospitals and the Palestinian Red Crescent.

Israeli troops also crossed into southern Gaza and arrested a Hamas police colonel, witnesses and a Hamas official said. One strike, in Nuseirat, reportedly targeted a Hamas commander involved in the October 7, 2023, attack that killed over 1,200 civilians. Another strike in Gaza City killed eight police officers and a 13-year-old girl.

On Tuesday, an Israeli strike on a crowded seaside cafe killed seven Palestinians, including a child. The military said the attack targeted a meeting of four Hamas commanders and additional militants. Israel claims at least 17 people have been killed in Israeli strikes since the ceasefire began in October, while Gaza's Health Ministry reports over 1,273 casualties.

Despite the strikes, the ceasefire remains in effect, though progress on key issues like Hamas' disarmament and Israeli withdrawal remains stalled.