At Least 13 Killed in Israeli Gaza Strikes
Ninoda.com – Palestinian authorities confirm that at least 13 killed in Israeli military operations have been reported across the Gaza Strip. The Civil Defence Authority stated that aircraft targeted multiple locations including Khan Younis, Deir el-Balah, and Gaza City. These casualties mark the second consecutive evening of bombardments over the territory.
Tragedy struck several sites simultaneously. In Gaza City, a residential building was hit, resulting in two deaths including one child. Meanwhile, near Jabalia in northern Gaza, another fatality was confirmed. A family tragedy unfolded in Khan Younis where a father, mother, and their nine-year-old son perished after their home was struck. Additionally, a man and woman died when their apartment building came under fire in Deir el-Balah.
Disarmament Deal and Political Context
The timing of these strikes follows closely on the heels of Hamas accepting a comprehensive disarmament framework. Under this arrangement, the Palestinian organization would transfer its arsenal to the Board of Peace established by US President Donald Trump. Despite this development, Israeli officials have signaled that hostilities may continue.
Eli Cohen, Israel’s Energy Minister, stated on Sunday that no agreement had yet been finalized to halt operations against the Gaza Strip, which currently operates under approximately seventy percent Israeli oversight.
Cohen further emphasized that complete Israeli authority over the region might become necessary should Hamas fail to relinquish its weapons. This position exists alongside the Board of Peace proposal, which envisions Israeli withdrawal from the territory.
Military Operations and Casualty Figures
The Israel Defense Forces confirmed targeting military personnel within Gaza, reporting the elimination of two Hamas fighters. A military spokesperson noted that one casualty belonged to the elite Nukbha unit while the other hailed from the Maghazi Battalion. Separately, an operative from the Jabalia Battalion was also killed in northern Gaza during a previous operation. All three were reportedly preparing assaults against Israeli positions.
Since a tentative ceasefire took effect last October, more than 1,100 Palestinians have been recorded as killed. Satellite imagery analyzed by BBC Verify revealed that over 1,500 structures have been demolished in zones remaining under Israeli jurisdiction since the truce began. The true figure likely exceeds this count due to unavailable visual data for certain regions.
International Response and Reconstruction
President Trump announced last week that the Board of Peace had secured consensus regarding the “complete disarmament” of Hamas alongside other armed factions operating in Gaza. He emphasized on Friday that Israel expressed strong approval of the proposal, calling it a significant advancement for regional stability.
Nevertheless, Israeli skepticism persists regarding Hamas’s commitment to surrendering both its armaments and territorial control. Itamar Ben Gvir, the National Security Minister representing the far-right, rejected the preliminary framework as unacceptable.
This development constitutes the second phase of a United States-mediated ceasefire strategy designed to conclude the conflict. Originally unveiled in September of the previous year, the twenty-point initiative established the Board of Peace to monitor implementation. Key components include Hamas disarmament, Israeli troop withdrawal, and reconstruction efforts.
A fifteen-point roadmap released on Friday outlines the concluding procedures for executing the accord. The document specifies that an inventory and storage process for heavy weaponry, military facilities, ammunition depots, and tunnel networks will commence. This progression depends on Israel fulfilling its obligations under the initial ceasefire terms.
While the mechanism for transferring arms to the Board of Peace remains undefined, expectations suggest that major military equipment will be relocated to facilities overseen by the Palestinian National Committee. This body of independent technocrats has received Hamas’s agreement to assume governance responsibilities. Currently operating from Cairo, the committee has not yet established a presence within Gaza.
Estimates from the United Nations indicate that approximately sixty million tonnes of rubble have accumulated since October 2023. Hamas, designated as a terrorist organization by the British government, has maintained control over the Gaza Strip continuously since 2007.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people were killed in the latest Israeli strikes?
At least 13 killed in Israeli military operations have been confirmed by Palestinian authorities, including several young children and multiple family members across different locations in Gaza.
What is the disarmament deal that Hamas agreed to?
Hamas has accepted a framework to transfer its weapons arsenal to the Board of Peace, a body established by US President Donald Trump to oversee the disarmament process and regional stability.
Are the Israeli strikes continuing despite the agreement?
Yes, Israeli officials including Energy Minister Eli Cohen have indicated that operations may continue until a final agreement is reached and Hamas fully complies with the disarmament terms.
