Ten killed in Israeli strikes and clashes between Hamas and militia in Gaza, local sources say

Local Reports Detail 10 Palestinian Fatalities in Gaza Amid Israeli Strikes and Factional Clashes

According to local sources, at least 10 Palestinians were killed in Israeli aerial attacks and confrontations involving Hamas and an Israel-aligned militia in central Gaza. The strikes reportedly focused on Hamas security personnel who had engaged in skirmishes with the militia near the Maghazi refugee camp. However, the distinction between casualties from the air strikes and those from the ground clashes is still unclear.

A hospital representative in Deir al-Balah stated that 10 bodies were transported to al-Aqsa hospital. The spokesperson also noted that numerous individuals were injured, with several in critical condition. Neither the Israeli military nor Hamas has issued a public statement on the incident yet.

Sequence of Events Uncertain, Witnesses Describe Militia’s Role

Details of Monday’s events remain fragmented. Witnesses reported that the Israel-backed militia established a checkpoint east of Maghazi, which became a target for Hamas security forces. This led to a series of confrontations. Israeli drones subsequently intervened, conducting strikes against Hamas personnel in three separate locations.

Disarmament Dispute Halted Ceasefire Progress

Both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of breaching the ceasefire agreement made nearly six months ago. Since then, the Hamas-controlled health ministry in Gaza claims at least 723 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks. The Israeli military has reported five of its soldiers have also been killed by Palestinian groups during the same period.

The issue of disarming Hamas has emerged as a major obstacle to advancing the second phase of U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan. Recently, a Hamas delegation convened with Egyptian, Qatari, and Turkish mediators in Cairo to respond to a proposal by the U.S.-led Board of Peace for Palestinian factions to dismantle their weapons.

Hamas Rejects Disarmament Until Israel Completes First Phase Commitments

A Hamas spokesperson denied discussions on disarmament until Israel fulfills its obligations under the initial phase of Trump’s plan. “We will not accept raising the issue of weapons in this crude manner,” said Abu Ubaida, referencing the death of his namesake in an Israeli strike last year. He argued that Israel cannot disarm Hamas through political negotiations, stating: “What the enemy failed to take from us by tanks and destruction, it will not take from us through politics or at the negotiating table.”

Broader Geopolitical Tensions Underlie Gaza Conflict

Abu Ubaida connected the Gaza war to the larger conflict between Israel and the U.S.-Iran alliance. He commended missile, drone, and rocket attacks by Iranian forces and their allies, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen, as an “extension” of Hamas’s actions on October 7, 2023. That day, Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel, resulting in over 1,200 fatalities and 251 captives. In response, Israel initiated a military campaign in Gaza, which the territory’s health ministry estimates has led to more than 72,300 deaths.

“What the enemy failed to take from us by tanks and destruction, it will not take from us through politics or at the negotiating table.”