At least eight people were killed in overnight Israeli strikes on Gaza, targeting residential buildings in Gaza City, Khan Younis, and Deir el-Balah, according to Palestinian officials. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that its operations were aimed at military operatives and reported killing two Hamas militants, including one from the elite Nukbha force and another from the Maghazi Battalion.
The strikes mark the second consecutive night of Israeli military action in the territory. This activity follows reports that Hamas has accepted a disarmament plan. Under this plan, the Palestinian group would reportedly hand over its weapons to a 'Board of Peace' established by U.S. President Donald Trump.
However, Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen indicated on Sunday that no agreement had been reached to halt attacks on the Gaza Strip. Cohen suggested that Israel might need to take full control of the territory if Hamas does not disarm, a stance that contrasts with the reported Board of Peace plan for an Israeli withdrawal. The report from Reuters cited Cohen's remarks.
Palestinian health officials reported that two individuals, including a child, died in a strike on a Gaza City residential building. Another person was killed near Jabalia in northern Gaza. In Khan Younis, a family of three—a father, mother, and their nine-year-old son—were killed when their house was hit. Additionally, a man and a woman died in Deir el-Balah following a strike on their apartment block.
More than 1,100 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since a supposed ceasefire took effect in October. The current events unfold against a backdrop of ongoing conflict and shifting diplomatic efforts in the region.