At least 60 people have died in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza, according to health officials. Many of the casualties occurred near the Palestine Stadium in Gaza City, where displaced individuals were seeking shelter. Reports indicate that a dozen people were killed in this area, along with eight others who were in nearby apartments. Additionally, six individuals lost their lives in southern Gaza when a strike hit their tent in Muwasi.
These strikes began late Friday and continued into Saturday morning. This escalation in violence coincided with comments from U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested that a ceasefire agreement could be reached within the week. He mentioned efforts to address the situation in Gaza during a press conference in the Oval Office.
Israel’s Minister for Strategic Affairs, Ron Dermer, is scheduled to visit Washington next week to discuss the ceasefire and other related topics, including Iran. The last ceasefire agreement was made in mid-January but ended in March.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza erupted after Hamas launched an attack on Israel in October 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths, mostly among civilians, and the abduction of 251 individuals. Currently, around 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with less than half believed to still be alive. The Gaza health ministry reports that over 56,000 Palestinians have died during the conflict, although it does not differentiate between civilians and combatants.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with the UN warning that many people are starving. Israel has allowed only a limited amount of supplies into the territory since mid-May, following a blockade that lasted over two months. Reports also indicate that Palestinians have been shot while trying to access food at aid sites, with Israel’s military stating it is investigating these incidents involving civilian casualties.