Israeli airstrikes on Gaza have claimed the lives of at least 20 people, as tensions flare in the region and ceasefire negotiations remain at a standstill. According to Gaza’s Civil Defence Agency, an Israeli bomb hit a residential building in Gaza City’s Shujaiya district on Wednesday, leaving 20 dead and more than 40 others injured. Emergency teams continue to search for survivors in the rubble.
The bombing marks another brutal escalation after Israel resumed its heavy airstrikes on March 18, breaking a two-month truce with Hamas. Despite international efforts to restore peace, talks for a renewed ceasefire have yet to yield any meaningful results.
As of Wednesday, the health ministry in Gaza reported that the ongoing Israeli military operations have killed at least 1,482 Palestinians, bringing the total death toll since the conflict erupted in October 2023 to a staggering 50,846. On the Israeli side, the war has claimed the lives of 1,218 individuals, primarily civilians, according to official reports.
Hamas, the militant group in control of Gaza, continues to push for a ceasefire, with senior member Hossam Badran telling AFP that negotiations are ongoing. However, he confirmed that no new proposals have emerged, adding that Hamas remains open to any suggestions that could halt the violence and end what they describe as genocide against the Palestinian people.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have reportedly held talks about new efforts to negotiate the release of hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza. Out of the 251 individuals taken during the October 2023 Hamas assault on Israel, 58 remain captive, including 34 confirmed dead, according to Israeli military sources.
The situation remains dire, with no clear resolution in sight as the conflict continues to escalate, leaving both sides caught in a devastating cycle of violence.
