Israel Strikes Gaza and Negotiates Lebanon Withdrawal in Rome

Israeli military strikes across the Gaza Strip on July 14, 2026, killed at least 10 Palestinians, including 10-year-old Muataz Abu Shaar in Rafah and Colonel Mohammad Marwan Salem, head of the Jabalia police force. The Israel Defense Forces stated Salem was eliminated to remove a threat after planning attacks with other militants. Additional strikes targeted a naval commander in Gaza City and a militant in Khan Younis. Palestinian officials report over 1,100 deaths since an October 2025 ceasefire, while four Israeli soldiers have been killed in the same period.

These attacks occurred as Hamas leaders met with mediators in Cairo to discuss the second phase of a peace plan authored by U.S. President Donald Trump. The plan focuses on Hamas disarmament and the withdrawal of Israeli troops, though Hamas claims Israeli ceasefire violations are a primary obstacle to implementation.

Simultaneously, Lebanese and Israeli delegations began two days of U.S.-mediated negotiations in Rome on July 14. The talks aim to establish a phased Israeli withdrawal from a 10-km buffer zone in southern Lebanon. While Lebanese President Joseph Aoun demanded an immediate withdrawal from two specific pilot zones, Israeli officials maintain that the disarmament of Hezbollah and the removal of Iranian influence are prerequisites for troop movement.