Israeli Strikes Kill Nine in Gaza as Minister Denies Any Deal to Halt Attacks

Israeli airstrikes across Gaza killed at least nine Palestinians on Sunday, continuing for a second consecutive day even after US President Donald Trump announced a breakthrough toward implementing last year’s ceasefire agreement. Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen, a member of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s security cabinet, said no deal exists to stop the attacks, adding that he believes Israel should take full control of Gaza, where it already holds 70% of the territory.

Strikes Hit Multiple Areas Across the Enclave

Palestinian health officials reported separate strikes in Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, and Khan Younis. Victims included a married couple killed in an apartment strike, a child killed alongside another victim in Gaza City, and a family of three, including a 9-year-old, killed in a house strike in the Mawasi area. The Israeli military said some strikes targeted Hamas commanders and operatives. Since the ceasefire began in October, at least 1,230 Palestinians have died in Israeli strikes.

Roadmap for Disarmament Remains Unimplemented

Trump’s Board of Peace released a 15-point roadmap outlining ceasefire implementation steps, though Hamas says it will only hand over weapons once Israel halts operations and withdraws forces, a condition Israeli officials say depends on genuine disarmament first. Netanyahu has not commented publicly, while cabinet minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has rejected the initiative entirely.