At least 13 individuals lost their lives in three Israeli airstrikes targeting refugee camps in central Gaza overnight into Saturday, as reported by Palestinian health officials. The strikes hit Nuseirat Refugee Camp and Bureij Refugee Camp, resulting in the deaths of three children and one woman. Ambulance teams transported the bodies to Al-Aqsa Martyrs hospital, where 13 casualties were confirmed.
In a tragic incident, a live baby was delivered from a Palestinian woman who was killed in an airstrike on her home in Nuseirat. The newborn, a baby boy, was successfully brought into the world but is currently in stable condition in an incubator due to oxygen shortage.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza, initiated by Hamas' attack on southern Israel, has led to a devastating toll, with over 38,900 reported deaths, according to the territory's Health Ministry. The war has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, displacing a significant portion of its 2.3 million residents and causing widespread hunger.
Violence has also escalated in the occupied West Bank, where a 20-year-old man was fatally shot by Israeli forces. The Israeli army stated that the shooting occurred in response to Palestinians throwing rocks at troops in Beit Ummar.
International mediators, including the United States, are actively working to broker a cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Efforts are focused on reaching a phased deal that would bring an end to the conflict and secure the release of approximately 120 hostages held in Gaza.
While progress has been made in the negotiations, challenges remain as both sides have accused each other of hindering the peace process. The U.S. Secretary of State described the potential cease-fire deal as being close to completion but acknowledged the complexities involved in finalizing the agreement.