Israeli Airstrikes Persist Amid Peace Efforts

Israeli airstrikes continued for a second day in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least nine Palestinians. This occurred despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of progress in implementing last year’s ceasefire agreement.

Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen stated there was no ceasefire deal, and Israel might require full control of the region. Cohen is part of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s security cabinet, which addresses security and diplomatic policy.

Palestinian health officials reported that Israeli warplanes struck areas throughout the enclave, including northern Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, and Khan Younis. In Deir al-Balah, an airstrike injured four people and killed a couple. Another strike claimed two lives, including a child, in Gaza City.

A man examines the aftermath of an Israeli airstrike on a Gaza City residential building on August 2.

Majdi Fathi / NurPhoto via Getty Images

In Khan Younis, airstrikes killed a family including a 9-year-old boy around dawn. Another death occurred near Jabalia in northern Gaza.

The Israeli military stated the strikes in Deir al-Balah targeted Hamas commanders, while those in Gaza City and Jabalia aimed at military operatives. The target specificity is under review.

Since the October ceasefire, Israeli strikes have resulted in 1,230 Palestinian deaths.

Trump’s Initiative and Roadmap

On Thursday, Trump declared a breakthrough, citing Hamas’s agreement to disarm in alignment with a U.S.-backed effort to enact last year’s Egypt-based ceasefire agreement.

The U.S.-led ceasefire oversight body released a 15-point roadmap on Friday detailing final steps for agreement implementation.

Challenges in Implementation

The roadmap remains unexecuted. Hamas indicated disarmament contingent upon Israel ceasing military operations and withdrawing forces per last year’s agreement.

An Israeli official told Reuters withdrawal from current military positions would require Hamas to demonstrate genuine disarmament.

Cohen voiced skepticism over Hamas’s intent to disarm on Army Radio, anticipating strategic concealment of weapons.

Prime Minister Netanyahu has yet to comment, whereas National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir opposed the initiative, advocating continued targeting of Hamas leaders.

Former senior Fatah official Mohammed Dahlan shared on Facebook that Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and senior adviser, was liaising with Israel to cease Gaza attacks.

Dahlan mentioned ongoing U.S. contact aiming for full agreement implementation, contingent upon Israel halting daily Gaza assaults.

Reuters reached the U.S. State Department, but no immediate response was provided. Israel also remained silent.