According to Palestinian medics, Israeli military strikes in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of at least 70 individuals within the past day, as mediators have initiated a new effort to establish a ceasefire and bring an end to the ongoing 15-month conflict.
Of those killed, at least 17 lost their lives due to airstrikes targeting two homes in Gaza City, with one strike hitting the residence of the Al-Ghoula family during the early hours, according to medics and local residents.
“We were awakened around 2am by a massive explosion,” reported Ahmed Ayyan, a neighbor, noting that approximately 14 or 15 people were inside the house at the time.
“The majority of them were women and children; they are all civilians, and none were armed or affiliated with the resistance,” Mr. Ayyan informed Reuters.
The Israeli military contended that all individuals “targeted in the strike were engaged in terrorist activities, including the exploitation of humanitarian aid corridors,” asserting that the operation was conducted a safe distance away from “aid trucks and did not hinder the ongoing flow of humanitarian assistance.”
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Earlier that day, the military reported that a projectile launched from Gaza landed in the vicinity of the Erez Crossing, resulting in damage to both the crossing area and nearby humanitarian truck compound.
Later that day, another strike on a house in Gaza City resulted in five additional fatalities, as reported by the Palestinian Civil Emergency Service, indicating that at least 10 individuals were feared trapped beneath the rubble.
The Israeli military previously stated that its forces continued operations this week in Beit Hanoun, located at the northern edge of the enclave, where they have been active for three months, destroying a military complex previously utilized by Hamas.
According to medics, at least six other Palestinians were killed due to Israeli strikes in Jabalia in the north, as well as near the central town of Deir Al-Balah.
With Saturday’s casualties, the death toll has risen to 70 since Friday, as reported by Palestinian health officials.
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Renewed ceasefire push
A renewed effort is currently underway to establish a ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, as well as to secure the release of Israeli hostages before US President-elect Donald Trump assumes office on January 20.
Israeli mediators have been sent to revive discussions in Doha, facilitated by Qatari and Egyptian mediators, while the US administration under President Joe Biden, which is assisting in the talks, urged Hamas on Friday to agree to a resolution.
Hamas has expressed its commitment to reaching an agreement promptly, though it remains uncertain how close both parties are to a consensus.
The armed group released a video yesterday featuring Israeli hostage Liri Albag – reported by local media to be a soldier – who called on Israel to make greater efforts to ensure the hostages’ release.
She indicated that their lives were at risk due to Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Ms. Albag’s family stated that the video had “torn our hearts to pieces.”
“This is not the daughter and sister we know. Her severe psychological distress is clear,” read a family statement, appealing to Israel’s government and global leaders not to miss the chance to ensure all remaining hostages return home safely.
In response to the video, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that Israel was relentlessly working to bring the hostages back home.
“Anyone who dares to harm our hostages will be held fully accountable for their actions,” he asserted.
Israel commenced its military action in Gaza following a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, where militants infiltrated border communities from Gaza, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals and the abduction of around 250 hostages, according to Israeli figures.
The military campaign, aimed at dismantling Hamas, has devastated large areas of the enclave, displacing most residents, and has resulted in 45,717 Palestinian deaths, as reported by the Gaza health ministry.
