Israeli Strikes Intensify in Gaza Amid Ceasefire Negotiations

 Israeli airstrikes claimed the lives of dozens of Palestinians across Gaza on Wednesday, according to medical sources, as diplomatic efforts to end the prolonged conflict gained momentum in Qatar. Concurrently, Israeli forces reported recovering the remains of at least one hostage from a tunnel near the southern city of Rafah.

Rising Casualties Amid Strikes

Palestinian medical officials reported significant casualties in Gaza City, with at least 10 fatalities in a multi-storey house in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood and another 10 deaths in separate locations across the city. In Deir Al-Balah, a central Gaza city hosting thousands of displaced Palestinians, and Jabalia, the largest of Gaza’s historic refugee camps, seven additional deaths were reported.

The Israeli military confirmed targeting Hamas operatives within a school building in Jabalia, emphasizing measures to minimize harm to civilians. Despite these assurances, the humanitarian toll has escalated, with over 46,000 Palestinians reported killed during Israel's 15-month-long military campaign, according to Gaza health authorities.

Diplomatic Efforts for Ceasefire

As the bombardments continued, intensive negotiations involving the United States, Qatar, and Egypt sought to broker a ceasefire. Sources close to the talks described this as the most serious effort yet to end the conflict. With the transition of U.S. administrations on the horizon, outgoing officials have intensified pressure for a resolution before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20.

A deal under discussion reportedly includes the release of hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody. Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, expressed hope for progress, particularly regarding the status of Israeli hostages, ahead of the new administration taking office.

Hostage Recovery and Challenges

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the recovery of the body of Israeli Bedouin hostage Youssef Al-Ziyadna from a tunnel near Rafah. Evidence suggested his son, Hamza, also taken hostage on the same day, may have perished. “We will continue to make every effort to return all of our hostages, the living and the deceased,” Netanyahu stated.

Hospitals on the Brink

The health crisis in Gaza has reached critical levels, with the Health Ministry warning that Nasser Hospital and Gaza European Hospital could cease operations within hours unless fuel supplies are restored. A limited fuel delivery temporarily averted shutdowns but highlighted the precarious state of healthcare facilities. Médecins Sans Frontières reported that Al Aqsa Hospital was also at risk, jeopardizing the lives of hundreds, including newborns.

While Israel denies restricting humanitarian aid, it claims to have facilitated the delivery of essential supplies to Gaza. However, humanitarian agencies report severe shortages of food, medicine, and shelter for the territory’s 2.1 million displaced residents.

The conflict escalated following Hamas’s October 7, 2023, assault on southern Israel, resulting in 1,200 deaths and the capture of over 250 hostages. Israel’s subsequent campaign has devastated Gaza’s infrastructure and displaced most of its population. Heavy rains have compounded the suffering, with families in damaged tents struggling to survive amid flooding and inadequate supplies.

Efforts to secure a ceasefire have been hampered by mutual accusations. Hamas has conditioned the release of remaining hostages on Israel’s withdrawal of troops and cessation of hostilities. Israel, in turn, insists on dismantling Hamas and liberating all hostages before considering an end to the conflict.

The impasse reflects deep-seated mistrust and entrenched positions, leaving little immediate prospect for peace despite escalating humanitarian needs.