Israeli Strikes in Gaza Kill 30 Amid Ceasefire Talks/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Israeli airstrikes killed at least 30 people, including women and children, in Gaza overnight, with total casualties in 24 hours reaching 56. Amid continued violence, Israel issued warnings for civilians to evacuate central Gaza. Stalled ceasefire negotiations are set to resume in Qatar.
Gaza Conflict Intensifies: Quick Looks
- Casualties in Gaza: At least 30 people, including children, were killed overnight in Israeli strikes.
- Targeted Strikes: Israel claimed to have struck Hamas command centers while using precision measures.
- Journalist Killed: Freelance journalist Omar al-Derawi was among those killed.
- Missile Interception in Israel: Missiles from Yemen triggered sirens in Jerusalem; no injuries were reported.
- Ceasefire Talks: Israeli and U.S.-led teams are heading to Qatar to resume stalled negotiations.
- Conflict Toll: Over 45,500 Palestinians have been killed, with widespread displacement affecting 90% of Gaza’s population.
Israeli Strikes in Gaza Kill 30 Amid Ceasefire Talks
Deep Look
At least 30 people were killed overnight in Gaza as Israeli airstrikes targeted central areas, including Nuseirat, Zawaida, Maghazi, and Deir al-Balah, hospital sources confirmed Friday. The Al Aqsa Martyrs hospital reported significant casualties among women and children, as the total death toll across Gaza in the last 24 hours climbed to 56.
Israeli authorities did not comment directly on the latest strikes but stated they had targeted Hamas gathering points and command centers in the past day. The military emphasized using precise munitions and aerial surveillance to minimize civilian casualties. However, attacks have continued to hit areas populated by non-combatants, including a humanitarian zone and locations where journalists work. Freelance journalist Omar al-Derawi was among those killed, mourned by colleagues and friends at a Gaza hospital.
As airstrikes ravaged Gaza, Israel issued warnings for civilians to evacuate central Gaza in anticipation of further military operations. Sirens also blared across Israel early Friday as missiles launched from Yemen targeted the country, prompting evacuations in Jerusalem and surrounding areas. Israeli officials confirmed intercepting one missile, with no immediate reports of injuries or damage.
Ceasefire Talks Resume
Amid ongoing violence, U.S.-mediated ceasefire discussions are set to resume. A delegation comprising members of Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency, Shin Bet security agency, and the military has been dispatched to Qatar to negotiate terms. The talks come after repeated delays during 15 months of conflict that erupted after the Hamas-led October 2023 attacks in Israel. Those attacks killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and led to the abduction of around 250 hostages, approximately 100 of whom remain in Gaza.
Israel’s response to the attacks has resulted in over 45,500 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which reports that women and children account for more than half of the casualties. Israeli officials argue that Hamas operates in densely populated areas, leading to civilian harm, while claiming to have eliminated 17,000 militants.
Humanitarian Crisis
The conflict has devastated Gaza, displacing 90% of the territory’s 2.3 million residents. Many have been forced to relocate multiple times as strikes have flattened neighborhoods and targeted essential infrastructure. International pressure continues to mount for a resolution, though the path to peace remains uncertain as hostilities escalate.
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