The Daily Star Ireland
Israeli airstrikes in Gaza over the past 24 hours have resulted in at least 70 deaths, according to Palestinian medical officials, as diplomatic efforts intensify to negotiate a ceasefire in the ongoing 15-month conflict.
Among the casualties, 17 people lost their lives in two separate airstrikes on residential buildings in Gaza City. The first attack, which occurred in the early hours, targeted the home of the Al-Ghoula family, leaving it completely destroyed. Witnesses reported that around 14 to 15 people were inside at the time, most of them women and children. Neighbors insisted that the victims were civilians with no involvement in militant activities.
Rescue teams searched through the rubble for survivors, while medics confirmed that several children were among the deceased. The Israeli military defended the operation, stating that those targeted had been involved in terrorist activities, including the misuse of humanitarian aid corridors. They also claimed the strike was conducted at a safe distance from aid convoys to avoid disrupting humanitarian deliveries.
Earlier, Israeli forces reported that a projectile launched from Gaza struck near the Erez Crossing, causing damage both to the crossing area and an adjacent humanitarian truck compound.
Later in the day, another airstrike on a separate home in Gaza City killed five people, with at least ten others feared trapped beneath the debris, according to the Palestinian Civil Emergency Service. Additional strikes in Jabalia and near Deir al-Balah resulted in the deaths of at least six more Palestinians.
Meanwhile, Israeli military operations continued in Beit Hanoun, an area in northern Gaza where forces have been engaged for three months. According to the military, they recently destroyed a Hamas-controlled military facility.
Renewed Ceasefire Efforts
As the violence escalates, diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire and facilitate the return of Israeli hostages have intensified ahead of U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20. Israeli representatives have traveled to Doha to participate in negotiations mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. The Biden administration has urged Hamas to agree to a deal.
Hamas has expressed willingness to reach an agreement quickly, though the extent of progress remains unclear. The group also released a video featuring Israeli hostage Liri Albag, reportedly a soldier, pleading for Israel to take greater action to secure the release of captives. She stated that their lives were in danger due to Israel’s ongoing military campaign.
Albag’s family responded with a statement expressing deep distress, describing her visible psychological suffering and calling on both Israeli authorities and international leaders to seize the opportunity to bring home the remaining hostages.
In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that Israel remains fully committed to securing the hostages’ return. He also warned that those harming the captives would be held accountable for their actions.
Ongoing Conflict and Casualties
Israel launched its military offensive following the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, during which militants infiltrated Israeli border communities, killing approximately 1,200 people and capturing around 250 hostages, according to Israeli reports.
Since then, Israel’s stated objective has been to eliminate Hamas, leading to widespread destruction across Gaza. The conflict has displaced the majority of the population, with the Palestinian health ministry reporting a death toll of 45,717 in Gaza since the start of Israel’s military operations.
