At least nine Palestinians, including a 10 year old boy and a senior Hamas police official, were killed in separate Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, according to Palestinian health and police officials. The violence comes as Hamas leaders continue negotiations in Cairo over the next phase of a United States backed ceasefire plan, underscoring the fragile nature of the truce despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Casualties Reported Across Gaza
Palestinian medics said Muataz Abu Shaar, a 10 year old boy, was killed by Israeli gunfire in Rafah in southern Gaza.
In northern Gaza, an Israeli airstrike targeted a Hamas police facility in Jabalia, killing at least seven people, including a woman, and injuring several others.
According to Gaza’s Hamas run Interior Ministry, those killed included Colonel Mohammad Marwan Salem, the head of the Jabalia police force, along with several police officers.
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A separate Israeli strike in Khan Younis killed a 36 year old man and wounded three others. The Israeli military said the target was a Hamas militant.
Israel had not immediately commented on the incidents in Rafah and Jabalia.
Violence Persists Despite Ceasefire
Although a ceasefire that began in October significantly reduced large scale fighting, sporadic violence has continued across the Gaza Strip.
According to Palestinian health officials, more than 1,100 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks since the ceasefire took effect.
Israeli authorities say four Israeli soldiers have also been killed by militants during the same period.
Israel has continued targeting Hamas security infrastructure and police positions, arguing that such facilities support the group’s military capabilities.
Peace Talks Continue in Cairo
The latest violence coincides with renewed negotiations in Cairo, where Hamas representatives are discussing implementation of the second phase of United States President Donald Trump’s peace initiative.
According to sources familiar with the talks, discussions include:
- Israeli military withdrawals from Gaza.
- Hamas disarmament.
- Long term security arrangements.
- Steps toward ending the conflict.
However, officials involved in the negotiations say little progress has been achieved in recent weeks.
Hamas argues that continued Israeli military operations and alleged ceasefire violations remain major obstacles to advancing the agreement.
Israel maintains that any lasting settlement requires Hamas to surrender its weapons and relinquish control of Gaza.
Humanitarian Crisis Continues
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains severe.
Nearly two million residents remain displaced, many living in temporary shelters or damaged buildings following months of conflict.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 73,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began following Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, during which Israeli officials say approximately 1,200 people were killed.
The humanitarian crisis continues to place enormous pressure on aid organizations and international mediators working to sustain the ceasefire.
Why This Matters
The latest violence illustrates how fragile the Gaza ceasefire remains despite ongoing diplomatic efforts. Continued military operations risk undermining negotiations aimed at securing a broader agreement, while the worsening humanitarian situation increases international pressure for a durable political settlement. Progress in Cairo will be critical to determining whether the ceasefire can evolve into a longer term peace arrangement.
Future Outlook
Negotiators are expected to continue discussions in Cairo over the coming days, but major disagreements remain over Israeli troop withdrawals, Hamas’ future role in Gaza, and disarmament. Without tangible progress, sporadic violence is likely to continue, increasing the risk that the ceasefire could further deteriorate and complicate efforts to achieve a lasting end to the conflict.
With information from Reuters.
