Deadly Gaza Strikes Underscore Fragility of Ceasefire as Diplomatic Efforts Intensify

At least 11 Palestinians killed in Israeli air strikes as US-brokered peace plan moves to next phase

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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At least 11 Palestinians were killed in Israeli air strikes across the Gaza Strip early Sunday, according to Palestinian civil defense teams and health officials, highlighting the continuing fragility of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The strikes came as preparations continued for the second phase of a US-brokered ceasefire plan aimed at securing longer-term security and political arrangements in Gaza.

Why it matters

The latest violence in Gaza underscores the challenges in maintaining a stable ceasefire and the need for a comprehensive political solution to the conflict. The US-led peace plan represents an effort to move beyond a fragile pause in fighting, but the deadly strikes show how easily the situation can escalate despite diplomatic initiatives.

The details

The Israeli military said it carried out the strikes in response to what it described as ceasefire violations by Hamas. Palestinian emergency services said six people were killed when an Israeli strike hit a tent encampment in northern Gaza, while another strike in southern Gaza killed five more people. Medics said several others were wounded in the attacks. Since the ceasefire took effect on October 10, both Israel and Hamas have repeatedly accused one another of breaching the agreement.

  • The current conflict began with the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.
  • The ceasefire took effect on October 10.
  • Sunday's strikes came as preparations continued for the second phase of the US-brokered ceasefire plan.
  • The Board of Peace's first meeting is scheduled to take place in Washington on February 19.

The players

Israel Defense Forces (IDF)

The formal name of the Israeli military, which carried out the air strikes in Gaza.

Hamas

The Palestinian Islamist group that controls the Gaza Strip and which Israel accused of ceasefire violations.

Board of Peace

A new international body created as part of the US-brokered ceasefire plan, with a mandate to help secure Gaza's border areas, oversee the disarmament of Hamas, and support the establishment of a new technocratic Palestinian administration in the territory.

Donald Trump

The former US President who announced the creation of the Board of Peace.

Benjamin Netanyahu

The Israeli Prime Minister who traveled to Washington to meet with President Trump and discuss Iran's nuclear program.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The Board of Peace is expected to play a central role in coordinating post-war reconstruction in Gaza, where vast swathes of housing, infrastructure, and public services have been destroyed. Its first meeting is scheduled to take place in Washington on February 19.

The takeaway

The latest violence in Gaza highlights the fragility of the ceasefire and the ongoing challenges in achieving a lasting political solution to the conflict. The US-led peace plan represents an effort to move beyond a fragile pause in fighting, but the deadly strikes show how easily the situation can escalate despite diplomatic initiatives.