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Israeli air strikes continued in Gaza for a second straight day on Sunday, killing at least nine Palestinians, despite US President Donald Trump's announcement of a breakthrough in efforts to implement last year's Gaza ceasefire agreement. The strikes, which hit areas including Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, and Khan Younis, come as Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen said there is no deal to halt attacks and that he sees a need for Israel to take full control of the Strip.

Coverage Comparison

Reports from multiple outlets confirm the continuation of Israeli strikes and the conflicting statements from US and Israeli officials. While President Trump announced a breakthrough on Thursday, saying Hamas had agreed to disarm under a US-backed initiative, Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen, a member of Prime Minister Netanyahu's security cabinet, stated on Sunday that there was no deal to halt attacks on Gaza and that Israel should take full control of it.

Palestinians in Gaza, however, express skepticism about the US announcement, with many saying the intensifying strikes have shattered any hope of progress. One resident described the situation as "as if the war has resumed," with attacks occurring nearly every hour across the enclave.

Key Claims

  • Israeli air strikes continued in Gaza for a second straight day on Sunday, killing at least nine Palestinians, as reported by multiple sources.
  • US President Donald Trump announced a breakthrough in efforts to implement last year's Gaza ceasefire agreement, a claim carried by multiple outlets.
  • Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen said there was no deal to halt attacks on Gaza and that he saw a need for Israel to take full control of it, a statement reported by multiple sources.
  • At least 18 people were killed in one of the deadliest days since the ceasefire, a claim reported by a single outlet.
  • The Israeli-held area in Gaza has expanded to 60-70%, as confirmed by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, according to multiple reports.
  • Hamas has said it will hand over its weapons for storage only after Israel halts military operations and withdraws its forces in line with last year's agreement, a position reported by multiple sources.
  • At least 1,230 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes since the ceasefire was reached in October, a figure reported by multiple sources.

Perspectives

Israeli Government

Israeli officials, including Energy Minister Eli Cohen, maintain that there is no deal to halt attacks and advocate for Israel to take full control of Gaza. The military says its strikes target Hamas commanders and military operatives, and Defence Minister Israel Katz has confirmed the expansion of Israeli-held territory to 60-70% as troops search for tunnels.

Palestinians in Gaza

Residents express deep skepticism about the US-announced breakthrough, describing the ongoing strikes as a continuation of the war. With Israeli forces controlling two-thirds of the enclave and displacing most of its population, many feel the peace process is out of touch with their worsening reality.

Hamas

Hamas has stated it will only hand over its weapons for storage after Israel halts military operations and withdraws its forces in line with last year's agreement. The group's refusal to disarm before those conditions are met is a key point of contention in the ceasefire negotiations.

US Administration

President Trump has touted a "major milestone" in implementing the ceasefire agreement, announcing on Thursday that Hamas would disarm and Israel would withdraw in phases. However, the continued strikes and conflicting statements from Israeli officials cast doubt on the immediate implementation of the plan.