Israeli airstrikes hit Gaza on Thursday, resulting in casualties among Palestinian civilians, according to Palestinian medical sources.
The strikes targeted various locations in Gaza, including residential areas in Gaza City and other southern districts such as Khan Younis and Rafah. Reports indicated that air raids and artillery fire from Israeli tanks exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the besieged territory.
The Israeli military claimed to have recovered the bodies of five Israeli hostages, while diplomatic efforts are underway to negotiate a ceasefire and secure the release of other hostages held in Gaza.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which advocates for the remaining captives, criticized what it described as “sabotage” in negotiations by the Israeli government, alleging misrepresentation of information that has complicated efforts to secure the release of other hostages.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, currently in Washington for talks with US President Joe Biden, faces mounting international pressure to end the conflict. In his recent address to the US Congress, Netanyahu defended Israel’s military actions, downplaying civilian casualties and accusing Hamas of thwarting peace efforts.
Following Netanyahu’s speech to Congress, Hamas issued a statement, accusing the Israeli premier of thwarting all efforts aimed at ending the war and concluding a deal to release the prisoners, despite Egyptian and Qatari mediation.at least 39,175 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
The toll includes 30 deaths reported within the past 24 hours alone.
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