Israeli air and ground assaults on Gaza continued on Wednesday, killing at least 65 Palestinians since dawn and leaving the fate of a United States ceasefire proposal hanging in uncertainty. Heavy bombardment struck densely populated neighborhoods, forcing thousands to flee amid widespread destruction of homes, schools and shelters, intensifying the humanitarian crisis in the besieged territory.
One of the deadliest incidents occurred when two missiles hit al-Falah School in Gaza City’s Zeitoun neighborhood, which had been serving as a shelter for hundreds of displaced civilians. Civil defence crews rushing to rescue survivors were struck in another attack, killing officer Munther Al-Dahshan and leaving others critically injured. Medical staff reported additional casualties at al-Ahli Arab Hospital following the strikes.
Read more : Gaza under fire: 45 killed, over 150 injured in latest Israeli attacks
The devastation extended across several areas, with air raids targeting homes in Daraj and Zeitoun, killing children and families. In central Gaza, three people were killed in Nuseirat and Bureij refugee camps. The Gaza Government Media Office reported that Israeli forces also shut al-Rashid Street, one of the key routes connecting governorates, making escape routes increasingly dangerous for displaced Palestinians.
Meanwhile, humanitarian operations are under severe strain as the International Committee of the Red Cross suspended activities in Gaza City, citing worsening conditions. Doctors Without Borders had already halted operations last week. At al-Shifa Hospital, the largest medical complex in Gaza, 11 unidentified bodies were buried in a mass grave, while patients, including those requiring dialysis, remain trapped under constant shelling.
In addition, thousands of displaced Palestinians are now living in overcrowded coastal areas with minimal resources. Families have been forced to erect tents by the sea, facing dire conditions as winter approaches. Activists with the Global Sumud Flotilla attempting to break Israel’s blockade were intercepted at sea, highlighting the ongoing restrictions faced by international aid efforts.
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On the diplomatic front, Qatar’s Prime Minister urged all sides to seize the “momentum” of a US ceasefire plan, already backed by Israel, to stop the killing and displacement of Palestinians. President Donald Trump has given Hamas three to four days to respond, warning of a “very sad end” if the group refuses. The plan calls for a ceasefire, prisoner exchanges, Israeli withdrawal and the installation of an international stabilization force, though Hamas has yet to officially accept.