Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip have resulted in the deaths of at least 61 people within a 48-hour period, according to medical sources, as Israeli forces continue their bombardment of the enclave.
Now eleven months into the conflict, diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire and negotiate the release of Israeli and foreign hostages held in Gaza have repeatedly failed.
Among the recent casualties were at least 12 people who died in airstrikes on two former schools sheltering displaced individuals—one in Gaza City and another in Jabalia, according to Palestinian medical officials. The Israeli military stated that the strikes targeted Hamas fighters who were using the compounds.
In addition, five people were reported killed in a strike on a house in Gaza City, with a total of 28 deaths recorded on Saturday alone, Palestinian medics reported.
Meanwhile, the armed wings of Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and Fatah claimed they had engaged Israeli troops across Gaza using anti-tank rockets, mortar bombs, and explosive devices aimed at tanks and other military vehicles.
Both sides continue to hold each other responsible for the failure of mediation efforts led by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. Despite preparations for a new U.S. proposal, a breakthrough appears unlikely as significant differences persist between the parties.
CIA Director William Burns, the lead U.S. negotiator, mentioned at an event in London that a more detailed proposal would be presented in the coming days.
The ongoing conflict has also spurred tens of thousands of Israelis to protest in Tel Aviv and other cities, urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government to strike a deal that would secure the release of the remaining 101 hostages.
Public anger and grief have intensified following the recent killing of six hostages, who Israel claimed were shot in the head by Hamas before their bodies were discovered by Israeli troops in a Gaza tunnel last Saturday.