An Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip on Monday resulted in the deaths of at least four Palestinians, according to health officials. Concurrently, mediators engaged with Hamas leaders to reinforce a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States.

The airstrike targeted a group of men outside a school in Deir al-Balah, claiming three lives, while another strike at a cafe in Gaza City resulted in one fatality and one injury. The Israeli military did not provide any comments on these incidents.

At Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, the deceased were laid in white shrouds outside the morgue as mourners paid their respects. Emotional scenes unfolded as relatives and friends bid farewell, with some offering prayers and kisses to the deceased.

Criticism arose from Umm Hussam Abu El-Rous, a relative of one victim, who expressed concerns about the ongoing violence and its impact on families, citing the emotional toll on children who have lost parents.

The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which came into effect on October 9, 2025, has not effectively halted Israeli attacks in Gaza. The deal, designed to end years of conflict, has left a significant portion of Gaza under Israeli control, with ongoing airstrikes and continued tensions between the two sides.

Despite the ceasefire, more than 750 Palestinians have lost their lives, as reported by Gaza’s Health Ministry, while four Israeli soldiers have been killed in Palestinian militant attacks. Both sides have accused each other of violating the ceasefire terms.

Discussions have been ongoing in Cairo between Hamas leaders and Palestinian factions, along with mediators from Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar, to advance the Gaza agreement’s implementation. However, challenges remain, particularly concerning Hamas’s disarmament as outlined in a plan proposed by the US.

Hamas has insisted on the full implementation of the initial phase of the US-brokered deal before progressing with disarmament talks. The situation is further complicated by the conflict in Iran, putting additional strain on the ceasefire efforts.

Israeli military officials have warned of a potential return to full-scale conflict if Hamas does not comply with disarmament requirements. The Gaza conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, has resulted in significant casualties and destruction, with both sides bearing the brunt of the violence.