An Israeli airstrike in northern Gaza Strip on Sunday claims four Palestinian lives and wounds several others, local health authorities report. The attack struck a group on Jaffa Street near Gaza City’s Darraj neighbourhood, heightening tensions around a fragile ceasefire.
Ceasefire Under Strain
Mediators intensify efforts to bolster the truce, established last October after two years of intense conflict. Both Hamas and Israel accuse each other of breaches. The Gaza health ministry states Israeli fire has killed at least 700 people since the ceasefire took effect. Israel reports four soldiers killed by militants in Gaza during the same timeframe. The Israeli military has yet to comment on the latest incident.
Disarmament Negotiations Stall
A Hamas delegation recently met Egyptian, Qatari, and Turkish mediators in Cairo to review a disarmament proposal presented last month. Two Egyptian sources and a Palestinian official confirm the initial response. Hamas insists it will not consider surrendering arms without firm commitments for Israel to fully withdraw from Gaza, as outlined in U.S. President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” plan. Three sources emphasize that Hamas disarmament remains a key obstacle in implementing the plan and solidifying the truce.
War’s Lasting Impact
Hamas launched attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people per Israeli figures. Israel’s subsequent two-year operation has resulted in over 72,000 Palestinian deaths, predominantly civilians, according to Gaza health authorities. The campaign triggers widespread famine, destroys most buildings, and displaces the majority of Gaza’s population multiple times.
