Israel Strikes Gaza as Trump Ceasefire Push Faces Fresh Challenges

Israeli airstrikes killed at least 18 Palestinians across Gaza on Sunday, marking a second consecutive day of heavy bombardment despite U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of progress toward implementing last year's ceasefire agreement.

According to Palestinian health officials, Israeli warplanes targeted Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis, and other areas, resulting in one of the deadliest days in recent weeks. The attacks hit residential buildings, tents sheltering displaced families, and vehicles, while emergency responders reported multiple civilian casualties, including children.

The escalation came only days after Trump said Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups had agreed to disarm, raising hopes that the conflict could move closer to a lasting resolution. However, Israeli officials remain cautious. Energy Minister Eli Cohen said Israel would allow Hamas the opportunity to surrender its weapons but expressed strong doubts that the group would comply. He reiterated that Hamas must be dismantled before any broader agreement could move forward and suggested Israel may seek full control of Gaza if disarmament fails.

A spokesperson for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed that Israel had raised concerns with U.S. officials, stressing that no political progress could occur until Hamas fully disarms.

The Israeli military said one strike in Deir al-Balah targeted two commanders from Hamas' elite Nukhba force, while other operations were aimed at suspected militant operatives. The military added that reviews of several strikes were ongoing.

Trump's U.S.-led Board of Peace recently unveiled a 15-point roadmap designed to complete the ceasefire process. Lead envoy Nickolay Mladenov acknowledged that the latest violence threatened diplomatic efforts but said negotiations with regional mediators were continuing to create conditions for implementing Trump's peace initiative.

Hamas maintained that it had shown flexibility during negotiations but accused Israel of undermining ceasefire efforts through continued military operations. The group insists Israel must halt its attacks and withdraw its forces from Gaza before it will hand over its weapons to a new Palestinian governing authority.

Former Fatah leader Mohammed Dahlan also said discussions with U.S. officials were continuing, expressing hope that diplomatic efforts could eventually secure a full end to the fighting in Gaza.