Eight Palestinians Killed in Israeli Strikes on Gaza Amid Ceasefire Efforts

International Desk | PNN

At least eight Palestinians have been killed in Israeli military strikes across the Gaza Strip, according to Gaza’s Civil Defence authorities. The casualties were reported from separate attacks carried out in different areas of the territory on Sunday (August 2).

According to Gaza’s Civil Defence agency, an Israeli helicopter strike on an apartment south of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza killed a woman and a man. Three more people were killed in attacks in Khan Younis, while another person was killed in Gaza City’s old district.

The attacks came at a time when fresh diplomatic efforts are underway to implement a ceasefire agreement in Gaza.

US President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” has reportedly presented a 15-point roadmap aimed at implementing last year’s Gaza ceasefire agreement. However, no significant progress has been observed on the ground so far.

Hamas has said it would take steps regarding the storage of its weapons only after Israel halts military operations and begins withdrawing troops according to the agreement.

However, an Israeli official told Reuters that Israel would not withdraw from its current positions until the “effective disarmament” of Hamas is ensured.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not publicly commented on the new initiative. However, Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has opposed the plan and called for continued operations targeting Hamas leaders.

Meanwhile, former Fatah leader Mohammed Dahlan, who is involved in the US-led initiative, said US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner told him that discussions were underway with Israel to stop the Gaza war.

Dahlan claimed that the success of the agreement largely depends on whether Israel completely halts daily attacks.

Earlier on Saturday, an Israeli strike destroyed a medical equipment warehouse in central Gaza. Local sources claimed that the attack created a crater nearly 20 metres wide and 10 metres deep.

The continuation of Israeli attacks despite diplomatic efforts and ceasefire discussions has raised renewed concerns internationally. Global leaders have repeatedly called for long-term peace and protection of civilians in Gaza.