Israeli Strikes Kill 15 in Gaza as Minister Rejects Ceasefire Claims

At least 15 Palestinians were killed in a new wave of Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip on Sunday, as Israel’s government insisted there is no agreement to suspend military operations, despite recent claims by U.S. President Donald Trump that progress had been made toward ending the conflict.

According to Palestinian health officials, the latest strikes hit several locations, including Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, and Khan Younis. Among those reported killed were women and children after residential buildings, tents sheltering displaced families, and other civilian areas were struck. Medical officials warned that the death toll could rise as rescue teams continued searching through rubble for survivors.

The Israeli military said its operations targeted Hamas commanders and militant infrastructure, maintaining that the strikes were aimed at degrading the group’s military capabilities. Israel has continued its offensive despite ongoing diplomatic efforts led by the United States and regional mediators to secure a lasting ceasefire.

Adding to the uncertainty surrounding the negotiations, Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen said there is no deal to halt the attacks. He stressed that Israel’s military campaign would continue until Hamas is disarmed, adding that Israel may ultimately seek full control of Gaza if the group’s military capabilities are not dismantled. His remarks appeared to contradict suggestions that a ceasefire was close.

The renewed violence comes just days after President Trump announced that Middle Eastern allies had agreed on the outlines of a broader peace framework that would include Hamas’ disarmament, the release of hostages, and a phased Israeli military withdrawal. However, both Israeli officials and Hamas have since indicated that significant disagreements remain over how such an agreement would be implemented.

Hamas has maintained that it is prepared to discuss disarmament only after Israel ends its military operations and withdraws its forces from Gaza. Senior Hamas officials accused Israel of undermining diplomatic efforts through continued airstrikes, while reiterating that any lasting agreement must include guarantees for a permanent ceasefire and reconstruction of the devastated enclave.

The latest bombardment has further deepened Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. Hundreds of thousands of displaced residents remain in overcrowded shelters and tent camps, facing severe shortages of food, clean water, medicine and fuel. International aid agencies have repeatedly warned that continued fighting is worsening conditions for civilians already struggling to survive after months of conflict.

As diplomacy continues behind the scenes, the situation on the ground remains volatile. With Israeli leaders insisting military operations will continue and Hamas demanding an end to the offensive before implementing any agreement, hopes for an immediate ceasefire remain uncertain despite ongoing international mediation.