Israeli military strikes across Gaza since dawn on Saturday have resulted in the deaths of at least 35 Palestinians, according to local hospital sources cited by Al Jazeera. The strikes occurred while ceasefire negotiations remained active, with both sides signalling movement towards a temporary truce.
Details of the Latest Attacks
Israeli forces launched multiple airstrikes in densely populated areas, intensifying the conflict’s toll on civilians. In central Gaza’s Maghazi refugee camp, an air raid targeted a family home, killing at least two individuals. A separate strike in Gaza’s az-Zarqa neighbourhood claimed one life and injured several others, according to Palestinian news reports.
One of the most severe incidents occurred when Israeli forces attacked a school that was sheltering displaced civilians, resulting in at least five deaths. In another particularly deadly assault, seven members of a single family died after a tent in al-Mawasi was hit.
Hospital sources reported that at least two civilians waiting for humanitarian aid distribution were also killed in the early-morning attacks.
This renewed wave of airstrikes, observers note, reflects a pattern often seen before potential ceasefire agreements, whereby bombardments escalate immediately before a truce is finalized.
Cross-Border Strikes in Southern Lebanon
Simultaneously, an Israeli drone strike hit the town of Shebaa in southern Lebanon, near the tri-border region adjoining Lebanon, Syria, and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Authorities have not yet released official casualty figures related to that strike.
Ceasefire Framework: Provisions and Conditions
The proposed ceasefire agreement, reportedly under the mediation of the United States, outlines a 60-day pause in hostilities. According to Al Jazeera, US President Donald Trump is expected to guarantee the arrangement.
As part of the deal:
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Hamas has agreed to release 10 Israeli hostages alive.
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The group will also return the remains of 18 others.
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The exchange will begin on the first day of the ceasefire.
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Humanitarian aid, including food and medical supplies, will be delivered through existing international mechanisms, notably the United Nations and the Red Crescent.
In return, Israel would suspend all offensive military operations across Gaza. This includes a daily 10-hour pause in military activities and surveillance flights.
Furthermore, Israeli forces would reposition from key areas, including northern Gaza, the Netzarim Corridor, and other southern sectors of the Strip. The framework also mandates that negotiations for a permanent ceasefire commence as soon as the temporary truce takes effect.
International Response and Regional Developments
Meanwhile, mass protests erupted in Sanaa, Yemen, where thousands of demonstrator primarily Houthi supporters, gathered to express solidarity with the Palestinian people. Protesters waved Palestinian flags and chanted slogans condemning the Israeli offensive.
Since October 2023, Yemen’s Houthi movement has fired missiles and drones towards Israel in what it claims are retaliatory actions in support of Gaza’s population.
Background: Gaza Conflict and Legal Proceedings
Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which began in October 2023, has resulted in the deaths of at least 57,012 Palestinians, including over 134,000 children. The offensive has injured more than 111,000 and left over 14,200 missing and presumed dead.
In November 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Gaza.
Additionally, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). These proceedings remain ongoing, even as ceasefire proposals introduce a potential turning point in the protracted conflict.
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