Israeli strikes persist as cabinet official casts doubt on ceasefire

The strikes spanned from Gaza City in the north to the southern reaches of Khan Younis, marking one of the deadliest daily tolls in weeks. In the Mawasi area, a strike on a residence claimed the lives of a couple and their nine-year-old child, while other attacks targeted apartments and tent encampments. The Israeli military stated that the operations in Deir al-Balah and Gaza City were aimed at commanders and operatives from Hamas’ elite Nukhba force.

Energy Minister Eli Cohen, a member of the security cabinet, dismissed the prospect of an imminent halt to the offensive. He expressed profound skepticism regarding Hamas’ willingness to disarm, asserting that the government remains committed to dismantling the group. Cohen suggested that if disarmament does not materialize, Israel may move to assume full control over the enclave, where it currently holds a 70% presence. Since the October ceasefire, Gaza health authorities report that at least 1,230 Palestinians have been killed, while official Israeli tallies count four soldier deaths during the same period.

Hamas leadership has accused the Israeli government of escalating the conflict to undermine political progress. Basem Naim, a senior official, stated that the group has shown significant flexibility but argued that Israel is attempting to dictate terms on the ground through force. Meanwhile, former Fatah official Mohammed Dahlan noted that discussions with U.S. advisers are ongoing, with the success of the 15-point roadmap proposed by Washington contingent upon a definitive end to daily combat operations.