Israeli Airstrikes Kill Dozens in Gaza as Washington Pushes for Ceasefire Deal.
At least 60 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza on Monday in one of the heaviest waves of attacks in weeks, as senior Israeli officials headed to Washington to discuss a potential ceasefire and hostage deal brokered by the United States.
The escalation came a day after former U.S. President Donald Trump urged both sides to “make the deal” and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, a close aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is scheduled to meet U.S. officials in Washington to discuss developments in Gaza and broader regional concerns, including Iran.
While diplomatic efforts gain momentum, the situation on the ground in Gaza remains dire. Israeli forces launched new evacuation orders for large parts of northern Gaza, prompting yet another wave of mass displacement. According to Gaza’s health authorities, the latest airstrikes killed at least 58 people, including 22 civilians at a beachfront café in Gaza City. Among the dead were women, children, and a local journalist.
“In the news we hear a ceasefire is near; on the ground, we see death and hear explosions,” said Salah, a 60-year-old resident of Gaza City. Amani Swalha, another displaced resident, described the destruction of a school sheltering families: “Look at us. We are not just numbers. We have the right to live with dignity.”
Israeli military officials said the strikes targeted Hamas command centers in northern Gaza and claimed to have taken steps to reduce civilian casualties. However, residents in areas like Zeitoun reported heavy tank fire and airstrikes even after receiving evacuation orders.
The Palestinian Journalist Syndicate reported that over 220 journalists have been killed since the war began in October 2023. Monday’s strike on a beachfront café was among the deadliest incidents in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, talks aimed at brokering a ceasefire continue behind the scenes. According to Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, Israel has accepted a U.S.-proposed 60-day ceasefire deal, which includes the release of some hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and the remains of others. The agreement would also pave the way for a broader truce and eventual end to hostilities—provided Hamas agrees to disarm, a condition the group has so far rejected.
A Hamas official indicated that meaningful progress hinges on Israel agreeing to a permanent ceasefire and full withdrawal from Gaza—demands Israel has consistently refused.
Austria’s Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger, visiting Jerusalem, called the humanitarian crisis in Gaza “unbearable” and warned that continued suffering could damage Israel’s standing in Europe. “A ceasefire must be agreed upon,” she said, calling for unhindered humanitarian access and the release of all hostages.
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing around 1,200 people—mostly civilians—and taking 251 hostages. Since then, Israel’s military response has left over 56,000 Palestinians dead, according to Gaza’s health ministry, and displaced the vast majority of the 2.3 million population. The United Nations now estimates that more than 80% of Gaza is under evacuation orders or Israeli military control.
Despite U.S.-led mediation, a final deal remains elusive as fighting rages on and diplomatic gaps persist.
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