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Eleven Palestinians die in fresh Gaza strikes
Israeli airstrikes killed eleven Palestinians in Gaza early Sunday, Palestinian civil defence and health officials reported. The attacks targeted areas in both the north and south of the enclave.
Israel cites Hamas tunnel activity
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated the strikes were a response to ceasefire violations by Hamas. According to the IDF, militants were killed after emerging from a tunnel in an area under Israeli military control.
Ceasefire under strain
Since the truce took effect on 10 October, both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of near-daily violations. The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry claims at least 600 people have died since the ceasefire began.
Earlier this month, Israeli airstrikes killed 32 people across Gaza, local officials said. The latest violence comes as preparations continue for the second phase of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement.
U.S.-led peace board prepares for next phase
Last month, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the formation of the Board of Peace, a new body mandated by the United Nations Security Council. Its tasks include establishing an international force to secure Gaza's border areas and overseeing Hamas's disarmament.
The board, set to hold its first meeting in Washington on 19 February, will also supervise the creation of a technocratic Palestinian government in Gaza and post-war reconstruction efforts.
Indonesia, a member of the Board of Peace, announced last week it would deploy 8,000 troops to Gaza as part of the ceasefire's second phase.
Conflict origins and ongoing toll
The war began after Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on 7 October 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Israel's subsequent military campaign in Gaza has resulted in over 71,820 deaths, according to the territory's health ministry.
Netanyahu meets Trump amid Iran tensions
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Washington on Wednesday to discuss Iran's nuclear programme with U.S. President Donald Trump. Netanyahu urged Trump to push for an agreement halting Iran's uranium enrichment and curbing its ballistic missile programme.
Trump later stated no definitive deal had been reached, adding that talks with Iran would continue. Iran's deputy foreign minister confirmed further discussions would take place in Geneva on Tuesday, a date also verified by an unnamed U.S. official to Reuters.
