Saturday began in Gaza with more heartbreak, as at least 35 Palestinians lost their lives in Israeli airstrikes that struck multiple areas of the besieged strip. Local hospital sources confirmed the toll, saying among the victims were civilians simply waiting for aid.
One of the hardest-hit spots was the Maghazi refugee camp in central Gaza, where an Israeli air raid targeted a family home, killing at least two. In Gaza City’s az-Zarqa neighborhood, another person was killed and several were injured. Meanwhile, a school sheltering displaced families wasn’t spared either — that strike left at least five people dead.
Perhaps the most tragic of the day was an attack on a makeshift tent in al-Mawasi. Seven members of a single family were killed, wiping out generations in a single moment.
This wave of attacks comes as discussions of a ceasefire are gaining momentum. Hamas has reportedly responded positively to a proposed truce, but many in Gaza see this pattern too often — violence surges just as talks seem promising.
In southern Lebanon, tensions also flared when an Israeli drone targeted the town of Shebaa, near the intersection of the Lebanese, Syrian, and Israeli-occupied Golan Heights borders. No casualty details have been confirmed yet.
Ceasefire proposal on the table
Al Jazeera reported that the latest draft of a ceasefire agreement calls for a 60-day pause in fighting, to be guaranteed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Under the terms, Hamas has agreed to release 10 Israeli hostages alive and return the remains of 18 others — starting from the first day of the truce.
The deal also includes immediate humanitarian relief for Gaza. Aid would flow through the United Nations and Red Crescent to help thousands of civilians in urgent need of food and medical supplies.
Israel would pause all offensive military operations for at least 10 hours daily, including halting drone surveillance. Troops would reposition away from some areas in northern and southern Gaza, with negotiations for a permanent ceasefire starting as soon as the temporary truce is enacted.
Solidarity growing beyond borders
In Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, thousands rallied in support of Palestinians. Protesters, mostly aligned with the Houthis, chanted pro-Palestine slogans while standing around a large Palestinian flag.
Since the war began in October 2023, Houthi forces have launched several missiles and drones toward Israel, framing it as part of their commitment to supporting Gaza.
A devastating toll
Since the conflict began, more than 57,000 Palestinians have been killed — many of them children. Over 111,000 people have been injured, and more than 14,000 remain missing beneath the rubble.
The international response has grown louder. Last year, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, charging them with war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice. The hope is that the newly proposed ceasefire might offer not just temporary calm, but a path toward justice and healing.
