24 killed in fresh Gaza strikes as ceasefire talks resume in Qatar

At least 24 Palestinians, including women and children, were killed on Friday in fresh Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, as efforts to secure a ceasefire resumed in Doha, Qatar.

The strikes targeted densely populated areas, including the Al-Shujaiya neighborhood and near Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, according to Gaza’s Civil Defence.

Residential neighbourhoods in central and southern Gaza were also hit, with airstrikes killing nine people in the Maghazi refugee camp and 11 others in the Nuseirat camp. Southern Gaza saw additional fatalities, with three people killed in Sheikh Radwan and two in Khirbet al-Adas near Rafah.

Amid the escalating violence, Gaza-based health authorities reported that the total death toll since October 2023 has risen to 45,658, with more than 108,000 injured. The attacks have also claimed the lives of 202 journalists, including Omar al-Diraoui, who was killed in the latest strikes.

Against this backdrop of devastation, indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel resumed in Doha on Thursday. The discussions, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, aim to establish a comprehensive ceasefire, facilitate the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and enable the return of displaced Palestinians.

Hamas expressed optimism about the talks, stating, “The movement reaffirms its seriousness and continues to work toward an agreement that will fulfill the aspirations and goals of our people.”

Israel confirmed its participation, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announcing that a delegation comprising Mossad, Shin Bet, and IDF officials had traveled to Qatar. Recent reports suggest Hamas proposed a one-week ceasefire to locate hostages held in Gaza and compile a release list, though Israel has not officially commented on the offer.

The Israeli military said it struck 40 Hamas targets on Friday, including command centers and militant gathering points. It accused Hamas of using civilian infrastructure, such as schools and hospitals, for military operations, calling it a “cynical exploitation” of Gaza’s population.

Hospitals in Gaza face growing threats, with facilities such as Al-Awda Hospital receiving evacuation ultimatums from the Israeli military. Medical teams continue to operate under intense conditions, recovering bodies and treating the wounded amid constant shelling.

While the ceasefire talks in Doha offer a glimmer of hope, the situation on the ground remains dire. The international community continues to urge both sides to reach an agreement to end the violence, as the humanitarian crisis deepens and casualties rise.