In brief
Rescuers report at least 69 deaths in Gaza following Israeli airstrikes, including strikes on shelters and food distribution sites, as international pressure for a ceasefire intensifies.
Israeli forces have intensified their bombardment of Gaza, leading to at least 69 reported fatalities on Thursday, according to local rescuers. The strikes have predominantly affected civilians, with a specific incident killing 15 individuals at a school-turned-shelter for displaced families in Gaza City. The Hamas-run Civil Defence agency has pointed to the severity of the situation, where victims include women and children. The Israeli military claims its strikes targeted high-ranking Hamas operatives, disputing reports of extensive civilian casualties as “lies.” They insist that every effort is made to mitigate civilian harm, attributing the situation to Hamas's use of human shields.This escalation comes as U.S. President Donald Trump presses both Israel and Hamas to consider a ceasefire and potential hostage release deal. Trump announced that Israel had agreed to the necessary terms for a 60-day ceasefire, although details of the proposal remain unspecified. Hamas has responded cautiously, indicating that they are reviewing the terms while advocating for the cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported striking around 150 "terror targets" in Gaza over a 24-hour span. However, Gaza's health ministry claims more than 118 people have died in similar incidents recently. Local witness accounts describe a devastating scene, likening attacks to complete destruction as tents collapse and fires engulf survivors.Reports continue to emerge of civilians being harmed while seeking food aid; tragically, 38 individuals were killed on their way to an aid distribution point, underscoring the dire conditions within the besieged territory. The humanitarian crisis deepens, with over 57,130 reported fatalities in Gaza since the conflict escalated following Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel, which resulted in significant Israeli casualties and hostages.The ongoing humanitarian efforts face scrutiny, as many aid groups refuse to cooperate with the new distribution methods imposed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), citing violations of humanitarian principles. Despite the challenges, the GHF reported a distribution of over one million food boxes, though claims of violence against civilians in proximity to these aid sites continue to spark controversy.
