Israeli military carries out strikes in Gaza, killing two Palestinians

Israeli Air Strikes Kill at Least Two Palestinians in Gaza

At least two Palestinians were killed in Israeli air strikes on Saturday, marking the third day of Ramadan and the latest breach of the truce deal signed with Hamas over four months ago. The attacks occurred in northern Gaza’s Jabalia camp and the Qizan an-Najjar area in southern Gaza.

According to the Palestinian news agency Wafa, the total death toll from Israeli attacks since the “ceasefire” came into effect has risen to 614, with 1,640 more Palestinians wounded. The Israeli military acknowledged one of the attacks on X, stating that its forces killed a fighter who crossed onto Israel’s side of the demarcation line and approached its troops in a manner that posed an immediate threat.

The US President’s Board of Peace held its first-ever meeting addressing reconstruction, security, and governance in Gaza two days prior to the attacks. The meeting saw nine countries commit $7 billion for Gaza reconstruction efforts, on top of a $10 billion contribution from the United States. However, the total amount is significantly lower than the estimated $70 billion needed to rebuild the devastated Palestinian territory.

Five countries pledged to send troops to participate in an eventual 20,000-strong International Stabilization Force (ISF), which is set to take over security from Hamas. The task of disarming Hamas remains unresolved, threatening to delay or derail the entire process.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that Hamas must disarm before any reconstruction begins. Last week, a top Netanyahu aide said Israel planned to give Hamas a 60-day deadline to comply before resuming its war, an ultimatum the group rejected.

Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem stated that the group is open to a peacekeeping force, but with caveats. “We want peacekeeping forces that monitor the ceasefire, ensure its implementation, and act as a buffer between the occupation army and our people in the Gaza Strip, without interfering in Gaza’s internal affairs.”

Many Palestinians expressed skepticism about the plan’s prospects for success, citing Israel’s continued deadly attacks and lingering aid shortages.

Source: Al Jazeera