Gaza hit by deadly strikes as Israel weighs truce talks stance

Overnight Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of 61 Palestinians in Gaza, as reported by the territory’s health ministry. These developments occur as Israel plans to send a delegation to Qatar for new truce negotiations. The decision regarding the delegation’s negotiation terms was pending discussions by Israel’s security and war cabinets.

This recent escalation is part of a conflict exceeding five months, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where a U.N. famine warning is in place for its 2.4 million residents. The siege has significantly hindered aid delivery, prompting the dispatch of a second aid ship from Cyprus through a newly established maritime corridor.

A pioneering effort by the Spanish aid vessel Open Arms and the U.S. charity World Central Kitchen marked the first use of this sea route to deliver food and supplies to Gaza. Despite these efforts, the northern part of Gaza, already hard-hit, has seen residents in desperation, with some incidents of aid trucks being stormed.

Clashes and bombardments were also reported in Khan Yunis and other parts of southern Gaza. Among the casualties were 12 family members in Deir al-Balah, highlighting the continued danger to civilians.

Most displaced Gazans have moved to Rafah, where an Israeli ground assault has been threatened. WHO head, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has appealed against such an operation, emphasizing the lack of safe relocation options and the potential worsening of the humanitarian crisis.

The conflict, initiated by a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides and the capture of hostages. Israel’s retaliatory measures in Gaza have led to a high death toll, primarily affecting women and children.

As the crisis intensifies, international efforts to deliver aid by air and sea have ramped up, although these cannot fully replace land-based deliveries. The ongoing negotiations and proposed truces reflect the complex and urgent need for a resolution that addresses both the immediate humanitarian situation and the broader conflict dynamics.