Israeli forces carried out heavy bombings in northern Gaza overnight, killing at least 15 people in a house in Beit Lahiya, according to Palestinian medics. The attack also injured several people, and some are still missing.
A shelter housing displaced families was hit, but rescue teams faced challenges reaching the site, reported the Palestinian Civil Emergency Service.
Local hospitals, already barely operational, struggled to treat the large number of injured. In Jabalia, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun, residents reported widespread destruction, with homes bombed and fires breaking out. Israeli drones also dropped bombs near a school where displaced families were taking refuge, which some believe was an attempt to force people to leave the area.
Palestinian authorities accused Israel of using forced evacuations and bombardments to push people out of northern Gaza and create a buffer zone. The Israeli army has denied these claims, stating that its ongoing operations are aimed at stopping militants from regrouping and launching attacks. This military campaign began after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on southern Israel, which left over 1,200 people dead and 250 kidnapped, according to Israeli figures.
The conflict in Gaza has resulted in over 44,400 deaths and displaced the majority of its population, leaving large parts of the area in ruins, Gaza officials said.
Talks of Ceasefire and Governance
While Israel reached a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Gaza conflict remains intense. Talks have been held in Cairo between Hamas and the rival Fatah group, led by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, to establish a governance committee for Gaza after the war. Egypt has suggested a non-partisan technocrat committee, supervised by Abbas, take over governance. However, Israel insists that Hamas should play no role.
Progress has been reported in the negotiations, but no agreement has been finalized. Egyptian officials have also engaged in discussions with Hamas to explore ceasefire possibilities. A Palestinian mediator mentioned Hamas’s demand for an end to the war and the withdrawal of Israeli troops but expressed flexibility to find a solution.
Israeli officials maintain that the war will only end if Hamas is removed from power in Gaza and no longer poses a threat. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated that while there are signs of progress on a hostage deal, Israel’s conditions for ending the war remain unchanged.
White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan recently shared that a ceasefire and hostage agreement now seem more achievable.
