Gaza Under Fire: 18 Killed Amid Disarmament Deal Hopes

Gaza Strip was once again gripped by intense violence over the weekend as Israeli airstrikes claimed the lives of at least 18 Palestinians, according to medics. This surge in fatalities marks the highest daily death toll in weeks and tragically unfolded just as reports emerged of a potential breakthrough in peace efforts, with Hamas reportedly agreeing to a disarmament deal.

The renewed assaults, which included targets in Gaza City, the central city of Deir al-Balah, and the southern area of Khan Younis, have shattered the fragile hopes spurred by an announcement from then-U.S. President Donald Trump. Last Thursday, Trump had stated that Palestinian Hamas militants and other armed groups had agreed to disarm, a development that many believed could be a turning point in the protracted conflict.

Despite these assertions, Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet, expressed significant skepticism regarding the disarmament. Speaking to Israel's Army Radio, Cohen indicated that while Israel would offer Hamas the opportunity to disarm, he harbored “very skeptical” doubts about its likelihood. He also suggested that Israel, which already controls 70 percent of the enclave, might need to assume full control if Hamas failed to comply, asserting there was no agreement to cease attacks on Gaza.

Further underscoring Israel's position, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office, Doron Spielman, conveyed to Reuters Israel's concerns to the U.S. regarding the disarmament plan. Spielman emphasized that “The most important concern for Israel is that nothing can happen before Hamas completely and truly disarms.”

The grim reality on the ground saw at least four lives lost in Deir al-Balah alone, according to Palestinian health officials. Another assault in Mawasi, near Khan Younis, wounded five and ignited several tents, painting a stark picture of the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Since a ceasefire was initially agreed upon in October, Gaza health authorities report that at least 1,230 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes.

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