By An Israeli airstrike killed 18 members of a single family in central Gaza on Saturday, even as international mediators said they were hopeful a cease-fire could be reached soon in the Israel-Hamas war.
The strike in the Zawaida area killed a man, his two wives and 11 of their children, ranging from 2 to 22 years old, as well as the children’s grandmother and three other relatives, according to hospital records.
The attack came just days after health authorities in Hamas-run Gaza said the death toll in the territory passed 40,000 in nearly five months of war.
Hours earlier, the U.S., Egypt and Qatar said they were making progress on a deal for a cease-fire of several weeks and the release of some of the hostages held by Hamas.
The mediators, meeting in Paris, said in a statement they had developed a proposal for a truce and were working to narrow the gaps between Israel and Hamas. They said they would continue their efforts in the coming days.
An official from the U.S., speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive negotiations, said the three countries were “hopeful” about the latest proposal.
The Israeli military said it was looking into the report of the deadly airstrike. It said troops were operating in central Gaza, targeting militants and rocket-launching infrastructure.
The military has ordered Palestinians to evacuate much of central Gaza in recent days as it expands its offensive. The U.N. says some 84% of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million have already fled their homes, with many now living in overcrowded shelters or tents in the southern part of the territory.
The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing some 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostage. More than 100 captives were released during a weeklong cease-fire in November in exchange for 240 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.
Israel responded to the Oct. 7 attack by launching one of the deadliest and most destructive military campaigns in recent history.
Despite international pressure for a cease-fire, Israel has vowed to continue the offensive until it destroys Hamas’ military capabilities and returns all hostages. Hamas has said it will not release all the captives until Israel ends its offensive and withdraws from Gaza.
The Biden administration has been working with Egypt and Qatar to try to broker another cease-fire agreement. The proposal would reportedly include a pause in fighting for several weeks and the release of some of the hostages.
Hamas has said no agreement can be reached without a permanent cease-fire and full Israeli withdrawal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected those demands.
The fighting has raised tensions across the region, with Lebanon’s Hezbollah trading fire with Israel along the border and Iran-backed groups targeting U.S. forces in Syria and Iraq.
On Saturday, an Israeli airstrike on a house in southern Lebanon killed at least 10 civilians, including a woman and her two children, Lebanese state media reported. Israel said it struck Hezbollah targets in response to rocket fire.
As diplomatic efforts continue, Gaza’s civilians bear the brunt of the ongoing conflict. Aid groups warn of a worsening humanitarian crisis, with food, clean water, and medical supplies in short supply.
Credit: Associated Press
