Gaza strikes kill at least 13 after Hamas disarmament deal; Israeli minister: no halt

Sunday, August 2, 2026Confirmed

World Desk

What we know

Palestinian officials said Sunday that Israeli strikes overnight and into Aug. 2 killed at least 13 people, including children, in Gaza City, Khan Younis, and Deir el-Balah—the second successive night of attacks—days after Hamas accepted a U.S.-backed disarmament plan under President Trump’s Board of Peace. Gaza’s Civil Defence Authority attributed the strikes to Israeli military aircraft. An IDF spokesperson said the military was targeting operatives and reported killing two Hamas militants; an IDF post named two commanders among those killed.

Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen told Army Radio that no deal had been reached to stop attacks on Gaza, that Israel already controlled about 70% of the strip, and that he saw a need for full Israeli control if Hamas did not disarm—despite Board of Peace language envisioning an Israeli pullout. Trump had last week announced a “complete disarmament” agreement and on Friday said Israel was “very happy” with it; far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir dismissed the draft as “not acceptable.” AP separately reported an Israeli official saying Israel had shared “serious security concerns” with the White House and would not withdraw before Hamas disarms. Hamas has said Israel must stop attacks and pull back under ceasefire terms before handing over weapons.

What's confirmed

Palestinian officials / Civil Defence: ≥13 killed Sunday wave incl. children; strikes Gaza City, Khan Younis, Deir el-Balah; second successive night (BBC; NBC).
IDF: targeting military operatives; said two Hamas militants/commanders killed in weekend actions (BBC).
Cohen Sunday: no deal to halt Gaza attacks; skeptical of disarmament; floated full Israeli control if Hamas does not disarm (BBC; NBC via Reuters).
Context: Hamas accepted Board of Peace disarmament roadmap; Trump claimed Israel support; Ben Gvir rejection; AP: serious Israeli security concerns shared with White House (AP; BBC).

What's still developing

Whether Netanyahu’s government will formally accept, amend, or reject the Board of Peace disarmament roadmap.
Casualty tallies and any pause in strikes as mediators press for implementation of phase-two ceasefire terms.

Sources

BBC — Aug. 2: ≥13 killed after Hamas disarmament deal; Civil Defence locations; Cohen no halt; IDF militant claims; Ben Gvir rejection link
NBC News — Israeli strikes kill 13; Cohen skeptical / no deal to halt; Hamas flexibility claim; UAE/Dahlan mediation context link
AP News — Israel serious concerns with Gaza deal; strikes kill civilians incl. children; no withdrawal before disarmament framing link