Israeli strike kills 23 as Arab mediators push for lasting Gaza truce

An Israeli airstrike late Tuesday on a school that had been converted into a shelter in Gaza City left 23 people dead, marking a grim escalation as diplomatic efforts intensify to broker a long-term ceasefire with Hamas. According to local officials, the strike ignited tents on fire, trapping and killing civilians inside. Additional airstrikes across the region claimed six more lives, including two five-year-old twin girls.

While Israel did not immediately comment, its military generally maintains that it targets Hamas militants embedded in civilian areas. The rising toll continues to draw criticism, especially as humanitarian conditions deteriorate under Israel’s ongoing blockade.

Mediators Work Toward a Long-Term Truce

Egypt and Qatar are actively working on a proposal that would include a ceasefire lasting five to seven years, the release of remaining hostages, and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. Sources close to the negotiations say a nonpartisan governing committee would oversee Gaza during this period—an arrangement reportedly accepted by Hamas.

Hamas, which still holds dozens of hostages, insists on a complete Israeli pullout and a lasting ceasefire. In contrast, Israel and the United States continue to demand the full dismantling of Hamas, rejecting any deal that would allow the group to remain in power.

A Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo Tuesday night to review the proposal. With U.S. President Donald Trump set to visit the region in mid-May, Egyptian officials speculate Washington is eager to secure a breakthrough before then.

Mounting International Criticism of the Blockade

France, Germany, and the United Kingdom issued a rare joint rebuke of Israel’s blockade, calling the restriction of food and aid deliveries into Gaza “intolerable.” The nations warned that using humanitarian access as leverage violates international law and risks further regional destabilization.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz recently confirmed that aid restrictions are being used as a pressure tactic. Meanwhile, Israeli ground forces have expanded control over parts of Gaza, reportedly holding about half of the territory and encircling Rafah in the south.

Growing Casualties and Humanitarian Strain

The Gaza Health Ministry reports more than 51,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began, many of them women and children. While Israel claims about 20,000 militants are among the dead, it has not released evidence to support those figures.

The conflict started on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led fighters attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and abducting 251 others. Israel has since conducted a wide-scale military campaign. Today, 59 hostages remain in Gaza, with 24 believed to be alive.

Efforts to reach a durable peace remain precarious, with hopes resting on ongoing negotiations. But as strikes continue and diplomatic channels strain under the weight of mistrust, the humanitarian toll continues to mount.