The Israel-Gaza conflict has witnessed a significant escalation with Israeli airstrikes killing 81 Palestinians, including displaced people sheltering at the Palestine Stadium in Gaza City. The attacks, which began late Friday and continued until Saturday morning, have raised concerns about the safety of civilians in the conflict zone.
At least 81 Palestinians have been killed and over 400 injured in Israeli strikes across Gaza in the past 24 hours, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. A devastating strike near a stadium in Gaza City, used as a shelter for displaced people, killed at least 11 people, including children, as reported by Al-Shifa hospital staff and witnesses. The Israeli military claims it was unaware of any injuries aside from a “suspicious individual” who posed a threat to its forces.
Ceasefire Efforts:
- US President Donald Trump expressed hope for a ceasefire agreement within the next week.
- Qatari mediators believe US pressure could facilitate a deal following a truce between Israel and Iran.
Casualties and Damage
The dead included 12 people killed at the Palestine Stadium and eight more in nearby apartments. Six others were killed in southern Gaza when a strike hit their tent in Muwasi. The total death toll in the conflict has now surpassed 56,000 Palestinians, with more than half of the victims being women and children.
US President’s Optimism on Ceasefire
US President Donald Trump expressed optimism about reaching a ceasefire agreement within a week. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said, “We’re working on Gaza and trying to get it taken care of.” His comments came as Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs, Ron Dermer, is expected to arrive in Washington next week for talks on Gaza’s ceasefire.
Ceasefire Deal
A potential ceasefire deal would involve:
– *Hamas’s Demands*: Hamas has expressed willingness to free all hostages in exchange for an end to the war.
– *Israel’s Conditions*: However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists that the war will only end if Hamas is disarmed and its leaders are exiled, conditions that Hamas has rejected.
Humanitarian Crisis
The conflict has led to a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with:
– *Food Shortages*: Israel has allowed only limited food supplies into the territory since mid-May, after blocking all food for two and a half months.
– *UN Aid Disrupted*: United Nations efforts to distribute food have been disrupted by armed gangs looting trucks and desperate crowds unloading supplies from convoys.
The situation remains dire, and efforts to secure a ceasefire continue. The international community is working to address the humanitarian crisis and find a lasting solution to the conflict.
