Israeli strikes in Gaza cast doubts on US-backed peace plan

Israeli forces have intensified military operations in the Gaza Strip over the weekend, resulting in dozens of Palestinian casualties, following a conditional disarmament agreement announced by Hamas late last week. The escalation casts significant doubt on a U.S.-backed peace initiative championed by President Donald Trump.

According to the Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza, at least 19 Palestinians were killed on Saturday, August 1, with additional fatalities reported on Sunday, bringing the weekend death toll to at least 26. The ministry stated that the numbers were increasing due to ongoing Israeli attacks on homes and vehicles. The Israeli military said the strikes targeted Hamas militants and infrastructure, including weapons storage facilities and a commander involved in the October 7, 2023, attacks.

The violence follows Hamas's announcement on Friday, July 31, that it had agreed to a phased disarmament as part of a bridging proposal to revive the peace process. The group's acceptance was conditional on an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, and a complete cessation of Israeli military actions. President Trump hailed the...