Israel Rejects Ceasefire Claims as Airstrikes Kill Nine in Gaza

Israeli airstrikes hammered Gaza for a second consecutive day, claiming at least nine lives across the enclave despite President Donald Trump’s recent declaration of a ceasefire breakthrough. Energy Minister Eli Cohen flatly dismissed the prospect of an immediate halt to hostilities, advocating instead for total Israeli control of the territory.

Editorial·August 2, 2026·reads: 421

The latest casualty toll includes a family of three killed in a dawn strike in the Mawasi area of Khan Younis, along with victims in Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, and Jabalia. Israeli military officials stated the Deir al-Balah operations targeted two commanders of Hamas' elite Nukhba force. Since the October ceasefire agreement, at least 1,230 Palestinians have died in ongoing strikes.

While the U.S.-led Board of Peace recently published a 15-point roadmap for disarmament, the initiative remains stalled. Hamas insists it will only surrender weaponry once Israel withdraws its forces, a condition Israeli officials refuse to meet without verification of genuine disarmament. Cohen expressed skepticism regarding Hamas' intentions, suggesting the group is merely stalling to conceal its arsenal.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained public silence on the U.S. proposal, while National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has openly rejected it, calling for continued targeted assassinations of Hamas leadership. Meanwhile, former Fatah official Mohammed Dahlan claims U.S. adviser Jared Kushner is actively coordinating with Israeli counterparts to secure an end to the bombardment, though the success of these diplomatic efforts remains tied to the contentious withdrawal of Israeli military positions.