At least seven Palestinians, including two women, were killed and 15 others wounded after an Israeli airstrike hit a tent encampment in central Gaza City on Saturday. Medical officials said several children were among the injured, while emergency teams rushed to assist victims at the site amid continuing violence across the territory.
The Israeli military said it had carried out a strike targeting militants but did not provide additional details about the operation. The attack occurred despite an existing ceasefire agreement that has struggled to stop hostilities and reduce tensions between Israel and Hamas since it came into effect.
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Meanwhile, mediators launched a new round of negotiations in Cairo aimed at preserving the fragile truce and advancing discussions on a second phase of the agreement. Representatives from Hamas and other Palestinian factions joined the talks, which are expected to continue for several days as diplomats seek a breakthrough.
According to sources involved in the discussions, Hamas is pressing for an end to Israeli attacks, greater humanitarian aid access and a withdrawal of Israeli forces to previously agreed ceasefire positions. The group maintains that meaningful progress in negotiations depends on easing military pressure and improving conditions for civilians in Gaza.
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The proposed second phase of the ceasefire includes sensitive issues such as Hamas disarmament, Israeli troop withdrawals and broader security arrangements. However, negotiations have repeatedly stalled due to disagreements between the two sides, raising concerns about the long-term viability of the truce.
Health authorities in Gaza say nearly 73,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began in October 2023, with civilians accounting for the majority of casualties. During the same conflict, Israeli authorities reported that Hamas-led attacks killed around 1,200 people and resulted in the capture of 251 Israeli and foreign hostages.