At least 100 Palestinians killed overnight amid intensified Israeli bombardment; ceasefire efforts face deadlock as humanitarian crisis deepens.
A new wave of Israeli airstrikes killed at least 100 Palestinians across the Gaza Strip overnight, according to the local health ministry, as mediators struggle to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
The Israeli military has not commented on the latest casualties. However, it has recently escalated its operations across Gaza in preparation for a new ground offensive, aimed at achieving what it calls “operational control” over targeted areas of the enclave.
“We have at least 100 martyrs since last night. Entire families have been erased from the civil registry due to the Israeli bombings,” said Khalil Al-Deqran, spokesperson for Gaza’s Health Ministry, in a phone call with Reuters.
Humanitarian Blockade and Ceasefire Talks
Israel has sealed Gaza off from medical supplies, food, and fuel since early March, aiming to pressure Hamas, the Palestinian group designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and EU, into releasing Israeli hostages. Simultaneously, Israeli authorities have approved strategies that may include full control of Gaza and aid distribution.
Hamas, in return, insists it will only release hostages in exchange for an Israeli ceasefire.
Backed by the U.S., Egypt and Qatar resumed indirect ceasefire negotiations on Saturday. But sources close to the talks told Reuters that no breakthrough has been made.
According to Sky Arabia and BBC, Hamas has proposed releasing about half of the Israeli hostages in exchange for a two-month ceasefire and the release of Palestinian prisoners. A Hamas official, however, told Reuters:
“Israel’s stance hasn’t changed — they demand their prisoners back without committing to end the war.”
Rumors of Hamas Leader’s Death Further Complicate Talks
Adding further uncertainty, multiple Israeli and Arab media outlets have reported that Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar may have been killed. Hamas has neither confirmed nor denied the report. Israel’s Defense Ministry has issued no comment.
Growing Israeli Domestic Pressure
Inside Israel, frustration is rising. Einav Zangauker, mother of Hamas hostage Matan Zangauker, accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of putting political interests above the lives of remaining hostages.
“The Israeli government continues to insist on partial deals. They’re torturing us on purpose. Bring our children back — all 58 of them!” she posted on X (formerly Twitter).
