At least 15 people, including 10 children, were killed by an Israeli airstrike on Thursday as they waited outside a medical point in central Gaza, just as negotiators signalled that a potential ceasefire agreement was nearing but not yet finalised.
The attack, which took place in Deir al-Balah, targeted families queuing for nutritional supplements and medical care, with the majority of victims being women and children, and resulted in the temporary suspension of operations at the facility run by a humanitarian organisation.
The strike occurred amid intensified Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip that left a total of 82 people dead within 24 hours, according to the Palestinian health ministry, which reported that 66 of those fatalities were directly linked to Israeli bombardments on Thursday alone.
Medical sources confirmed that eight of the children killed in Deir al-Balah had been among those waiting in front of the clinic when the blast occurred, and Gaza’s civil defence agency said the impact of the strike had left the ground shaking and the area littered with casualties.
Despite the surge in violence, diplomatic negotiations for a ceasefire continue, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating that Israel would be prepared to engage in talks towards a lasting end to the war once a temporary halt to hostilities is in place.
However, he reiterated that any agreement must meet Israel’s conditions, which include the disarmament of Hamas and the dismantling of its control over the territory. Netanyahu warned that failure to meet these terms within 60 days would lead to a resumption of full-scale military operations.
Key sticking points in the ceasefire discussions remain unresolved, including Hamas’s demand for a full Israeli military withdrawal, unrestricted humanitarian aid access, and guarantees for a permanent peace. The group has also rejected Israeli efforts to retain control over key corridors and buffer zones, particularly around Rafah and Khan Yunis, citing concerns over forced displacement and restricted access to vital areas.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar confirmed that progress had been made, although he noted that negotiating the release of hostages and the return of their bodies would require more time.
According to details shared in an interview, the initial phase of the deal could see the release of eight hostages, followed by two more, with 18 bodies of hostages also to be returned to Israel. Saar also stated that the prospect of allowing Hamas leaders safe passage into exile remained on the table.