At least 14 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza over the past 24 hours, the enclave’s Health Ministry reported, as diplomatic efforts to stabilize a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas continue.
Rising Death Toll Despite Ceasefire
Since the ceasefire took effect on January 19, Palestinian officials say dozens have been killed by Israeli fire. While large-scale fighting has paused, both sides have been unable to agree on the next phase of the truce, leading to continued violence.
Israel’s military stated that its forces had targeted “terrorists” planting explosives or approaching its troops. However, Palestinian authorities have accused Israel of violating the ceasefire.
The deadliest attack occurred in Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza, where an Israeli airstrike killed nine people, including four journalists. The Israeli military claimed the strike targeted six militants from Hamas and Islamic Jihad, alleging that some had posed as journalists. Hamas condemned the attack as “a blatant violation of the ceasefire,” while Salama Marouf, head of Gaza’s media office, accused Israel of fabricating evidence.
Drone Strikes and Civilian Casualties
Further Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed four more Palestinians in separate incidents. This morning, an Israeli drone strike in Juhr Eldeek killed a 62-year-old man and wounded several others. Another drone attack in Rafah injured multiple civilians, according to medics. The Israeli military said it was unaware of these strikes.
Ceasefire Talks at a Standstill
The violence underscores the fragile nature of the ceasefire agreement brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the US. The first phase of the truce saw Hamas release 33 hostages, including eight deceased, while Israel freed 1,800 Palestinian detainees. However, negotiations for the next phase remain stalled.
Hamas demands a permanent ceasefire, full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the reopening of border crossings, and the release of remaining hostages. Israel, however, insists on extending the first phase until mid-April and requires Gaza’s “total demilitarization” and Hamas’ removal before moving forward.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that negotiators were prepared to continue discussions based on a US proposal for the release of 11 living hostages and half of the deceased captives.
Ongoing Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis
The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a cross-border raid into southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli reports. Israel’s military response has since killed over 48,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials, and left much of the territory in ruins.
As mediators push for renewed talks, the ongoing bloodshed raises concerns over the long-term viability of any ceasefire agreement in the war-torn region.
