Israeli airstrikes killed at least three Palestinians in the Gaza Strip on Monday, according to health officials. The strike hit a group of men outside a school in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza. Meanwhile, mediators from Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar met with leaders from Hamas and other Palestinian factions in Cairo to discuss implementing the second phase of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal.
Key Takeaways
Israeli airstrikes killed at least three Palestinians in Gaza on Monday, as mediators met with Hamas leaders to bolster a U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal. The strike hit men outside a school in Deir al-Balah. Since the October 2023 ceasefire, over 750 Palestinians have been killed, and Israel and Hamas blame each other for violations.
- Israeli airstrike kills three Palestinians in Gaza's Deir al-Balah
- Mediators meet with Hamas leaders to discuss ceasefire implementation
- Over 750 Palestinians killed since October 2023 ceasefire began
- Israel denies moving yellow concrete markers despite Palestinian accusations
The October 2023 ceasefire halted two years of full-blown war but left Israeli troops in control of over half of Gaza, with Hamas governing a narrow coastal strip. Since then, more than 750 Palestinians have been killed, while militants have killed four Israeli soldiers. Israel and Hamas continue to trade blame for ceasefire violations.
The violence comes as mediators seek to bolster the fragile ceasefire deal brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump's Board of Peace. Under this plan, Hamas would be required to lay down its arms in stages over eight months after a U.S.-backed committee takes control in Gaza. However, Hamas' disarmament has been a major obstacle to progress on the deal.
Two officials close to the latest talks said Hamas told mediators that discussions on disarmament could only move forward after Israel fully implements the first phase of Trump's October deal, which includes a complete ceasefire in Gaza. Israeli military officials have stated they are preparing for a swift return to full-scale war if Hamas does not lay down its weapons.
The Gaza war began on October 7, 2023, with a Hamas-led attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people. Israel's ensuing campaign has killed more than 72,000 Palestinians, according to Gazan health authorities.
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