Netanyahu meets CENTCOM chief after deadly Gaza ceasefire violations

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the US-led multinational coordination center overseeing the Gaza ceasefire in Kiryat Gat, southern Israel, where he met with US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Admiral Bradley Cooper. The Wednesday meeting focused on joint plans for Gaza's future, occurring amid renewed violence that has left over 100 Palestinians dead since Tuesday evening despite an active ceasefire agreement.

Post-Ceasefire Violence and Coordination

Netanyahu's coordination center visit came as the Palestinian Health Ministry reported significant civilian casualties from recent Israeli military operations. According to ministry data, Israeli attacks killed more than 100 Palestinians, including 46 children, and injured 253 people since Tuesday evening, violating the ceasefire that had been in effect since October 10. Since the ceasefire initially took effect, at least 211 people have been killed and 597 injured in Israeli attacks, highlighting the fragile nature of the truce.

Plans for Gaza's Future

During his visit, Netanyahu outlined shared objectives with the United States for Gaza's transformation. "I am happy to host our American friends here in Kiryat Gat. They are working together with us on a plan to achieve a different Gaza, a Gaza that will no longer pose a threat to Israel," the prime minister stated. He emphasized that both governments are working toward "the disarming of Hamas and the demilitarization of Gaza" through a phased approach that includes "other components of the plan" developed in coordination with President Donald Trump.

Long-Term Conflict Statistics

The recent violence adds to the devastating toll of the ongoing conflict that began in October 2023. Comprehensive data from the Palestinian Health Ministry indicates that Israeli military operations in Gaza have resulted in more than 68,600 fatalities, with women and children comprising the majority of casualties, along with over 170,600 injuries. These figures underscore the severe humanitarian impact of the conflict as diplomatic efforts continue to address both immediate ceasefire violations and long-term security arrangements.