Israel’s latest airstrikes on Gaza have killed at least 20 people, as tensions rise over delayed hostage returns by Hamas. The attacks, described as among the deadliest in weeks, came hours after negotiators warned that ongoing disagreements could jeopardize the fragile ceasefire progress.
Witnesses said the strikes targeted densely populated areas in central and southern Gaza, where entire families were trapped under the rubble. Rescue teams worked overnight, pulling survivors from collapsed buildings as the death toll continued to rise.
The Israeli military claimed the strikes were aimed at militant positions following rocket fire from Gaza, but local authorities reported that most of the casualties were civilians, including women and children.
The situation comes as regional and global mediators push for a new ceasefire framework. Earlier reports highlighted how ongoing talks between U.S. envoys and Middle Eastern leaders have faced major obstacles, threatening to undo months of negotiation efforts. Recent diplomatic efforts have shown that Israel-Gaza ceasefire talks face a growing risk as U.S. envoys struggle to maintain momentum.
Hamas officials said the delay in hostage returns is due to “unmet conditions” and continued bombardment, while Israel insists that any agreement must ensure security guarantees and verified releases.
Analysts warn that both sides may be testing the limits of international patience. As humanitarian conditions worsen and political pressure mounts, the possibility of renewed full-scale conflict looms over Gaza’s devastated landscape.
With civilian suffering at the center of this latest escalation, calls for restraint and renewed diplomacy are once again echoing from world capitals, but on the ground, fear continues to grow.
