Israeli airstrikes on Sunday claimed the lives of at least 14 Palestinians in three separate incidents across the Gaza Strip, raising the weekend’s death toll to 102, according to Palestinian medics. The escalation comes as U.S. and Arab diplomats intensify efforts to broker a ceasefire.
Health officials reported five fatalities in Nuseirat camp after an airstrike targeted a house. Four more deaths occurred in Jabalia, a northern enclave where Israeli forces have been active for three months.
Later in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, another airstrike struck a police station, killing five individuals, though it is unclear if all were police personnel.
The Israeli military said its strikes were aimed at militants operating within designated humanitarian areas in Khan Younis and Deir Al-Balah.
Civilian Impact and Rescue Efforts
In Gaza City’s Sheikh Radwan district, rescue operations continued Sunday following an airstrike on the Zuhd family home. The attack on Saturday night killed seven, with four others potentially trapped under rubble. Relatives dug through the debris with bare hands, recovering bodies amidst scenes of grief.
“Eleven members of our family have been martyred,” said Ammar Zuhd, a relative, as rescuers worked tirelessly to locate survivors.
Israeli Operations and Militants Targeted
The Israeli military claimed responsibility for striking over 100 targets, killing dozens of Hamas militants and destroying rocket sites. They confirmed the death of an Islamic Jihad militant involved in the October 7 cross-border attack on Israel.
Diplomatic Push for Ceasefire
With U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration looming, mediators are ramping up efforts to secure a truce. Talks resumed in Doha, brokered by Qatar and Egypt, with backing from the Biden administration. Hamas has signaled its willingness to negotiate, but the timeline for an agreement remains uncertain.
The conflict, which began after Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel, has devastated Gaza, leaving over 45,800 Palestinians dead, according to health ministry figures. Israel’s campaign, aimed at eradicating Hamas, has displaced hundreds of thousands and caused widespread destruction.
