Israeli airstrikes killed at least 28 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, according to hospital officials. The casualties included four children and two women. Al-Aqsa Martyr’s Hospital reported that airstrikes hit Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, late on Friday, killing 13 people.
Strikes near a fuel station killed four more, while additional attacks in Khan Younis in the south claimed 15 lives, according to Nasser Hospital.
The Israeli military stated that its forces struck around 250 targets in Gaza over the past two days. These strikes focused on militants, weapons depots, tunnels, sniper posts, and other Hamas-related infrastructure. The military has not responded to questions about civilian casualties.
Background and ongoing ceasefire talks
Hamas launched an attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, killing about 1,200 people and abducting 251. The group still holds 50 hostages, with fewer than half believed to be alive. Ceasefire agreements and other deals led to the release of most of the others.
Gaza’s Health Ministry, under Hamas administration, reports that Israeli operations have killed over 57,000 Palestinians, more than half of them women and children. The ministry does not separate civilian and militant deaths. Despite this, the United Nations and other international organisations treat its figures as the most reliable.
US President Donald Trump said he is close to securing a new ceasefire agreement. The proposed deal may lead to further hostage releases and ease the conflict. However, after two days of talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, no progress has emerged.