Israeli Strikes Kill 13 in Gaza Days After Hamas Backs Disarmament Plan

Tragedy has struck the Gaza Strip once again. Fresh Israeli airstrikes hit multiple residential apartments across Gaza, killing at least 13 Palestinians, including children and a pregnant woman.

The sudden escalation comes just days after Hamas publicly agreed to a US-backed peace roadmap that includes provisions for disarmament and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops.

Key Highlights of the Attack

• Tragic Casualty Count: Civil defence authorities in Gaza reported 8 deaths from midnight strikes on residential units, with 5 more killed in subsequent daytime drone and helicopter attacks.
• Affected Areas: Attacks targeted several zones, including Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, Jabalia refugee camp, and Khan Younis.
• Victims Identified: Among those lost were a pregnant woman and her husband in Gaza City, an elderly man, multiple children, and two brothers targeted in a vehicle strike in Deir al-Balah.

Diplomacy Hit Hard by Escalation

The strikes have raised heavy concerns across international diplomatic circles. Just days prior, Hamas leaders announced their agreement to key terms of a peace plan championed by US President Donald Trump, which outlines:

1. Handing over heavy weaponry by Palestinian groups.
2. A phased, gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.
3. Establishing an international monitoring body to oversee the transition.

While Israel has not formally released an official cabinet response, political sources in Tel Aviv indicated that “no withdrawal whatsoever” will take place without verified, full disarmament of Hamas forces.

International & Local Reactions

“Israel’s escalation in Gaza today confirms that Israel doesn’t want to reach an agreement.”

— Ghazi Hamad, Hamas Politburo Member

International mediators have expressed deep frustration over the renewed violence. Nickolay Mladenov, High Representative of the Board of Peace, stated on social media that days of strikes destroying medical supplies and taking civilian lives pose a severe threat to diplomatic momentum built over recent weeks.

What’s Next?

With tension rising despite ongoing peace negotiations, international bodies are calling for an immediate halt to hostilities to safeguard diplomatic progress and prevent further loss of innocent lives.

What are your thoughts on this latest development in the Middle East ceasefire talks? Drop your comments below and don’t forget to share this update on NaijaTunesHub!