In brief
Israeli warplanes struck Gaza City, Khan Younis and Deir al‑Balah, killing 13 civilians and several children after Hamas accepted the Board of Peace disarmament agreement. The Israeli Defence Forces say the strikes targeted Hamas operatives, killing two commanders. Palestinian health officials report multiple household casualties, while the Gaza Civil Defence Authority confirms the death toll. The attacks come amid a tense ceasefire, with Israel maintaining scepticism over Hamas' commitment to surrender weapons. The broader U.S. initiative aims to secure a lasting ceasefire, withdraw Israeli forces, and rebuild Gaza.
At least 13 Palestinians, including children, were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City, Khan Younis and Deir al‑Balah on August 1, according to the Gaza Civil Defence Authority.
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said the attacks were aimed at Hamas military operatives. Two Hamas commanders—one from the elite Nukba group and another from the Maghazi Battalion—were confirmed dead by the IDF.
Palestinian health officials reported three separate residential casualties: a child and a parent lost in an apartment block in Deir al‑Balah, a father, mother and nine‑year‑old son killed in Khan Younis, and another adult casualty near Jabalia.
The strikes are the second consecutive night of attacks in Gaza following a recent ceasefire pledge. Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen warned that the Strip should be placed under full Israeli control if Hamas does not disarm, despite a U.S. Board of Peace plan to pull Israeli troops out.
The Board of Peace, a U.S.‑brokered body, plans to oversee the disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups, including inventorying heavy weapons, production sites, and tunnels. The process is contingent on Israel meeting its commitments under the initial ceasefire agreement.
Since the ceasefire took effect in October, more than 1,100 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza. U.N. estimates suggest that around 60 million tonnes of debris have accumulated since the conflict began.
Reports indicate that the Palestinian National Committee, a technocratic body supported by Hamas for governance, has yet to enter Gaza and is currently operating from Cairo.
