At least 34 people have died in Gaza due to Israeli airstrikes, according to health officials. This escalation comes as the region faces a deepening humanitarian crisis, and hopes for a ceasefire seem to be growing.
The airstrikes began late Friday and continued into Saturday morning. Among the victims were 12 individuals killed at the Palestine Stadium in Gaza City, which was being used as a shelter for displaced families. Eight more people lost their lives in residential apartments, and six others died when a strike hit their tent in southern Gaza.
U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned that a ceasefire agreement might be reached within the week. He stated, “We’re working on Gaza and trying to get it taken care of,” during a press conference in the Oval Office. An Israeli official, who spoke anonymously, revealed that Ron Dermer, Israel’s Minister for Strategic Affairs, will travel to Washington next week to discuss the ceasefire and other related issues.
The situation in Gaza has been tense since Israel resumed military operations after breaking a ceasefire in March. The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 56,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. This figure includes many women and children, as the ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants. The war began after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, taking around 250 hostages. Currently, about 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with fewer than half believed to be alive.
Families of the hostages are hoping that Trump’s involvement in securing a ceasefire with Iran could pressure for a resolution in Gaza. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu enjoys strong public support for the war against Iran but faces opposition from his far-right coalition partners regarding ending the conflict in Gaza.
Hamas has indicated a willingness to release all hostages in exchange for a cessation of hostilities, but Netanyahu insists that the war will only end once Hamas is disarmed and exiled, a demand that Hamas has rejected.
In the midst of this turmoil, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. After a blockade on food supplies lasting two and a half months, Israel has only allowed limited aid into the territory since mid-May. Efforts by the United Nations to distribute food have faced significant challenges, including armed gangs looting aid trucks and desperate crowds overwhelming supply convoys.
Witnesses report that Palestinians have been shot while trying to access food at newly established aid sites run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which is backed by the U.S. and Israel. The Israeli military has stated it is investigating incidents where civilians were harmed.
The ongoing conflict and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza underline the urgent need for a peaceful resolution. As discussions about a ceasefire continue, the situation remains dire for those affected by the violence.