Palestinian health officials have confirmed that Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip overnight and into Wednesday resulted in the deaths of at least 17 individuals, including five children and their parents. These strikes occurred just before new talks aimed at achieving a cease-fire in the 10-month conflict were set to take place. The United States, Qatar, and Egypt are working to mediate an agreement, but significant differences remain between the parties after months of indirect negotiations.
The overall Palestinian death toll in the war has now reached nearly 40,000, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. One of the strikes hit a family home in the Nuseirat refugee camp, claiming the lives of five children and their parents. Another strike in the Maghazi refugee camp resulted in the deaths of four individuals, while additional casualties were reported in Khan Younis and Beit Lahiya.
Health authorities in Gaza do not differentiate between militants and civilians in their casualty reports. Israel maintains that it aims to minimize harm to civilians and attributes civilian casualties to Hamas's presence in residential areas. The Israeli military rarely comments on specific strikes.
Latest Updates on the Conflict
The Palestinian death toll in Gaza has nearly reached 40,000, with over 92,000 individuals wounded, as per the Health Ministry's latest update. The ministry also reported 36 individuals killed by Israeli strikes in the past 24 hours.
A senior adviser to U.S. President Joe Biden emphasized the importance of diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, expressing concerns about potential escalations. Cease-fire talks are scheduled to resume in Doha, with hopes of reaching a resolution that could also impact the situation in Lebanon.
Meanwhile, Israeli military bulldozers demolished six homes in a Bedouin hamlet in the occupied West Bank, leaving dozens homeless. The demolitions have sparked criticism from residents and rights groups, who highlight the challenges faced by vulnerable communities in the region.
