Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip have killed at least 61 people in the past 48 hours, according to Palestinian medics. The latest escalation comes as diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire and secure the release of Israeli and foreign hostages held in Gaza have failed.
Airstrikes on two former schools housing displaced people in Gaza City and Jabalia killed at least 12 people, while a strike on a house in Gaza City claimed five more lives. The Israeli military said the strikes targeted Hamas gunmen operating in the compounds.
The armed wings of Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and Fatah groups said they had fought Israeli troops across Gaza with anti-tank rockets and mortar bombs, detonating bombs to target tanks and other army vehicles.
Despite mediation efforts by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, a ceasefire deal remains elusive. The US is preparing to present a new proposal, but prospects for a breakthrough appear slim due to wide gaps between the sides.
Tens of thousands of Israelis joined protests in Tel Aviv and other cities, demanding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secure the release of 101 hostages held in Gaza.
The United Nations, in collaboration with local health authorities, has continued a campaign to vaccinate 640,000 children in Gaza, reaching over half of the target population in the first two stages.
The conflict, triggered by the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, has killed over 40,900 Palestinians and displaced nearly the entire population of 2.3 million. Israel has lost 340 soldiers in Gaza.
