At least 13 people were killed on Sunday in a series of Israeli airstrikes targeting residential buildings across the Gaza Strip, according to the Gaza civil defense authority. The strikes occurred while Hamas stated it had approved a plan to end the war, highlighting a sharp divide as Israel demanded genuine disarmament before any military withdrawal.
Civil Defense Reports Casualties Across Gaza Strip
The violence unfolded in multiple waves, with the Gaza civil defense authority reporting that eight individuals died in strikes around midnight. An additional five fatalities occurred during separate daytime attacks. According to AFP reporting, the strikes hit multiple residential areas, including apartments and vehicles, across central Gaza, Gaza City, Khan Younis, and near the Jabalia refugee camp.
In central Gaza, an Israeli military helicopter strike destroyed an apartment, killing a man and his wife while injuring several others. Near the western part of Gaza City, a separate strike on an apartment killed an elderly man and a child. Further south in the northwest of Khan Younis, a residential building targeted by military action left three dead, including another child. Near the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza, a drone strike on a group of civilians killed one person and wounded four others.
Pre-Dawn Strikes and Vehicle Attacks in Deir al-Balah
Casualties continued to mount as pre-dawn operations struck deeper into residential zones. A family consisting of a husband, wife, and their child died when an apartment in western Gaza City was hit. Local authorities confirmed the mother was pregnant at the time of the attack. In Deir al-Balah, located in central Gaza, a separate drone strike targeted a vehicle, killing two brothers inside.
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Diplomatic Standoff Over Ceasefire Proposal
These military actions followed an announcement by Hamas on Friday confirming its approval of a transition plan. The proposed framework outlines the surrender of weapons by Hamas alongside a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip. Despite this announcement, the Israeli government has not issued a formal response to the diplomatic push.
An unnamed Israeli political source told AFP that military forces will not pull back without verifiable disarmament from Hamas. This diplomatic impasse runs parallel to ongoing kinetic operations. One day prior to Sunday’s escalation, Gaza authorities reported eight deaths from strikes that damaged a hospital’s medical supplies and struck its roof. The Israeli military stated those specific operations targeted members of the Army of Islam and Islamic Jihad militant groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the latest casualties in Gaza?
At least 13 people died in a series of Israeli airstrikes on residential buildings and vehicles across the Gaza Strip on Sunday, according to the Gaza civil defense authority.
Has Hamas agreed to a ceasefire plan?
Yes, Hamas stated on Friday that it approved a plan, which involves surrendering weapons and a phased Israeli troop withdrawal.
What is Israel’s official stance on the withdrawal proposal?
Israel has not issued a formal response, though an Israeli political source told AFP that no troop withdrawal will happen without genuine disarmament by Hamas.
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