In brief
Following a recently signed disarmament agreement, Israeli jets targeted Gaza City, Khan Younis and Deir el‑Balah, killing at least 13 people, including children, according to Palestinian sources. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) claimed that it was striking only military operatives, citing the destruction of two Hamas commanders. Analysts warn the Board of Peace plan – designed to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction – remains unimplemented, while Israeli officials insist the Strip stays under Israeli control unless Hamas meets its demands. The tension underscores the fragile ceasefire that has tripped under pressure for months, raising questions about the future of humanitarian efforts in Gaza.
Hostilities surge after Hamas' disarmament agreement
The latest reports from Gaza’s Civil Defence Authority confirm that Israeli aircraft struck Gaza City, Khan Younis and Deir el‑Balah, killing at least 13 people, several of whom were children. Palestinian health officials report casualties spanning residential buildings and apartment blocks, with a father, mother and nine‑year‑old son among those lost in Khan Younis. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) maintained that the strikes targeted Hamas militants, reporting the death of two commanders—one from the elite Nukbih force and another from the Maghazi Battalion.
The damage follows Hamas’ acceptance of a disarmament plan, reportedly set to place the Palestinian group’s weapons under the watch of the U.S. President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace—a controversial body yet to be operationalized. Israel’s Energy Minister Eli Cohen stated no settlement had been reached and hinted at full control of the Strip if Hamas does not disarm. Far‑right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir dismissed the draft as “not acceptable,” highlighting deep skepticism about Hamas’ willingness to relinquish power.
Board of Peace: A roadmap that remains a promise
The 20‑point ceasefire proposal, unveiled last September, outlines a phased initiative: disarmament of Hamas, withdrawal of Israeli troops, reconstruction of Gaza, and the opening of key humanitarian corridors. A 15‑point roadmap released last week specifies steps for inventorying heavy weapons, military production sites, depots, and tunnels, with storage under the Board’s supervision. However, questions persist over the logistics of transferring weapons and the timing for the Board’s actual arrival, currently operating out of Cairo without entry into Gaza.
Israel’s destruction of more than 1,500 buildings across permanently occupied Gaza sectors—undercounted in satellite imagery—has left around 60 million tonnes of debris, according to UN estimates. The long‑term reconstruction effort, tied to the disarmament agreement, faces scrutiny from both Israeli hardliners and international observers wary of potential power vacuums.
For continued updates on the ceasefire's status, the disarmament negotiations, and humanitarian developments in Gaza, stay tuned to OnPoint’s live coverage.
