Israeli forces killed at least eight Palestinians in strikes across the Gaza Strip on Sunday, Gaza’s civil defence reported, continuing a pattern of violence despite a new United States-backed roadmap for Hamas disarmament.

The strikes occurred just two days after the US Board of Peace published a 15-point plan aimed at implementing last year’s Gaza ceasefire agreement and facilitating Hamas disarmament, followed by an Israeli withdrawal.

Among the casualties on Sunday were a man and woman killed in an Israeli helicopter strike on an apartment south of Deir el-Balah. Separate strikes resulted in the deaths of three individuals in Khan Younis and one in Gaza City’s Old City, according to the Palestinian Civil Defence.

The ongoing strikes underscore the significant gap between diplomatic initiatives and actions on the ground. Hamas has stated it will only surrender its weapons once Israel halts military operations and withdraws its forces as per the prior agreement. An Israeli official indicated that a withdrawal would not occur unless Hamas underwent "genuine disarmament."

Former senior Fatah official Mohammed Dahlan, speaking from the United Arab Emirates, reported that Jared Kushner, a senior adviser on the US initiative, assured him of efforts to halt the Gaza attacks. Dahlan noted that negotiations with Washington were ongoing, with the success of the agreement hinging on Israel's complete cessation of strikes.

Adding to the destruction, Israeli strikes on Saturday obliterated a medical supply warehouse in central Gaza, leaving a large crater. This incident was part of a wider series of attacks that have persisted despite the push for a ceasefire.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not publicly addressed the US initiative. However, far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has deemed the plan unacceptable, advocating for continued targeting of Hamas leaders.

The situation highlights the deep-seated challenges in achieving a lasting peace, with continued military actions complicating the implementation of diplomatic proposals and raising questions about the commitment of all parties to de-escalation.