Israel has ramped up its aerial bombardment of Gaza, with airstrikes hitting a school-turned-shelter and residential homes across the besieged enclave, killing at least 24 Palestinians since the early hours of today.
The new wave of attacks comes as ceasefire talks, brokered by the US and Qatar, have reached a critical moment, with hopes of an agreement emerging after more than 15 months of the war.
Israeli officials and Hamas militants are reportedly in the final stages of agreeing to a deal that would pause the fighting and pave the way for the release of dozens of hostages.
Despite the mounting civilian toll in Gaza, where over 46,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023, there is cautious optimism that a ceasefire is imminent. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the potential agreement is “right on the brink” and the closest the two sides have come to a resolution, with Hamas reportedly agreeing to a draft deal.
The ceasefire, once finalised, could offer a reprieve for Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, the vast majority of whom have been displaced and are living in dire conditions. Israel’s offensive has left large swaths of the Strip in ruins, and widespread famine threatens the already vulnerable population.
