23 Dead in Gaza School Strike as Mediators Push Long-Term Truce Plan/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ An Israeli airstrike on a Gaza school-turned-shelter killed 23 civilians overnight. Mediators from Egypt and Qatar are proposing a 5–7-year truce and hostage release. France, Germany, and Britain condemned Israel’s ongoing blockade of Gaza.
Gaza Shelter Bombed Amid Peace Talks: Quick Looks
- 23 Killed in Shelter Strike: An Israeli airstrike on a Gaza school being used as a shelter killed 23, mostly civilians.
- School Targeted Overnight: The strike ignited tents housing displaced Palestinians, burning many alive.
- Mediators Propose Long Truce: Egypt and Qatar are promoting a 5–7-year ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal.
- Hostage Deal Key to Peace Plan: Truce would include the release of remaining hostages and Palestinian prisoners.
- European Allies Rebuke Israel: France, Germany, and the UK called Israel’s Gaza blockade “intolerable.”
- Abbas Slams Hamas: Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas urged Hamas to release hostages.
- Humanitarian Crisis Deepens: Aid groups report widespread hunger, and thousands of children are malnourished.
- Trump’s Role in Talks: President Trump reportedly wants a deal before visiting the region in May.
23 Dead in Gaza School Strike as Mediators Push Long-Term Truce Plan
Deep Look
DEIR AL-BALAH, GAZA STRIP — April 23, 2025 — A devastating Israeli airstrike on a school-turned-shelter in Gaza City overnight killed 23 Palestinians, including women and children, as Arab nations attempt to broker a long-term truce between Israel and Hamas.
The strike ignited tents used by displaced families, burning people alive, according to local officials. Images and videos from the scene showed charred debris, burned mattresses, and grieving families. Israeli military officials did not immediately comment, though Israel typically asserts it only targets militant infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Egyptian and Qatari mediators are working on a sweeping proposal to end the war. The plan includes a five to seven-year ceasefire, full Israeli military withdrawal, the release of all hostages, and the formation of a technocratic government in Gaza. According to sources familiar with the proposal, Hamas has shown openness to the plan if it comes with international guarantees from countries like Russia, China, Turkey, or the United Nations.
Growing International Condemnation
In a rare public rebuke, France, Germany, and Britain jointly condemned Israel’s decision to block all aid to Gaza, calling the blockade “intolerable.” The three countries emphasized that humanitarian aid should never be used as a political tool, referencing recent remarks by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, who admitted the blockade was being used to pressure Hamas.
The joint statement read:
“Palestinian territory must not be reduced nor subjected to demographic change. Israel is bound under international law to allow the unhindered passage of humanitarian aid.”
Abbas Condemns Hamas
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, speaking in the West Bank, urged Hamas to release the remaining hostages, saying it would “block Israel’s pretexts” for continuing the war. Using strikingly harsh language, Abbas referred to Hamas members as “sons of dogs” and reiterated his opposition to their military presence in Gaza.
Although Abbas has little influence over Hamas, he is seeking a role in postwar governance through a proposed technocratic administration.
Ceasefire Deal Details
The developing ceasefire framework reportedly includes:
- A five-to-seven-year truce
- Complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza
- Release of remaining hostages by Hamas
- Release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel
- Formation of a nonpartisan, technocratic governing body
- International guarantees of enforcement
Israel, supported by the Trump administration, has insisted that Hamas be destroyed or exiled and has publicly rejected any ceasefire deal that allows the group to maintain power or influence.
Ongoing Violence and Humanitarian Crisis
While talks continue, so does the violence. On Wednesday, Another Israeli airstrike near the school destroyed two homes, killing four more, according to first responders.
Since Israel relaunched its offensive last month, its military has reportedly seized 50% of Gaza and encircled the city of Rafah. The renewed operations follow the collapse of a January ceasefire agreement that had facilitated limited hostage releases.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, the death toll from Israel’s offensive has surpassed 51,000 Palestinians, with the majority being women and children. Israel claims to have killed 20,000 militants, though it has not provided supporting evidence.
Trump’s Regional Visit Looms
Arab diplomats believe President Trump is pushing for a deal ahead of his May 13–16 trip to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to return to Moscow later this week to continue negotiations with Russian officials.
While Trump has promised to end the war quickly, Ukrainian and Israeli leaders remain skeptical of his approach, especially after the collapse of the previous ceasefire deal.
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