Israeli airstrikes ravaged southern Gaza’s Rafah, claiming 13 lives and injuring numerous individuals, according to medical sources. Hamas media reported a death toll of 15.
Gaza City witnessed further casualties as Israeli planes targeted two houses, exacerbating the toll on civilians, as confirmed by health officials.
The strikes in Rafah, a densely populated area where many seek refuge from sustained Israeli attacks, coincided with anticipated ceasefire talks mediated by Egypt involving Hamas leadership.
The conflict stemmed from Hamas militants’ October 7 attack on Israel, resulting in casualties and hostages, according to Israeli reports.
Israel’s response has been a military campaign aiming to eradicate Hamas, which governs Gaza, resulting in over 34,000 Palestinian casualties, with 66 fatalities in the past 24 hours alone, as reported by Gaza’s health authorities.
The warfare has displaced a majority of Gaza’s 2.3 million inhabitants and left significant parts of the enclave in ruins.
Hamas officials confirmed discussions led by Khalil Al-Hayya, Hamas’ deputy Gaza chief, aimed to address a ceasefire proposal presented to mediators from Qatar and Egypt, as well as Israel’s response.
While details of the proposals were not disclosed, sources suggest Hamas is expected to respond to Israel’s latest truce proposal, which includes releasing hostages and a phased ceasefire.
The ceasefire talks, scheduled in Cairo, will involve the Hamas delegation, Qatari, and Egyptian mediators, focusing on clarifying Hamas’ concerns regarding Israel’s response to their proposal.
These deliberations indicate Hamas may not provide an immediate response to mediators regarding Israel’s latest proposal.
