Israeli military forces killed at least 19 Palestinians in Gaza on Saturday, bringing the weekend death toll to 26. The casualties included women and children, with strikes hitting Deir al-Balah, Gaza City and Jabalia.
The Israeli military said its strike in Deir al-Balah targeted two Hamas commanders. Other attacks in Gaza City and Jabalia targeted "military operatives," Israeli officials said.
The strikes came after President Donald Trump announced what he described as a "large step" toward peace and security in Gaza, proclaiming a revival of the long-delayed peace initiative.
Hamas had conditionally agreed to a phased disarmament late last week, a central element of the proposed framework.
Israel's government expressed "serious security concerns" about the disarmament plan, and Israeli politicians have shown strong resistance to the deal.
The continued bombardment raises direct questions about the viability of Trump's plan. Israel has repeatedly breached the ceasefire agreement reached in October.
Israeli officials have also expressed skepticism toward Trump's peace proposal. The latest escalation has fueled concerns that the proclaimed revival of the peace plan was premature, with its success dependent on a sustained halt in violence from all parties.
