Israeli strikes in Gaza resulted in at least 20 fatalities on Tuesday, Palestinian health officials reported. This occurred as Israel continued a new incursion into a region that had largely avoided intense combat during the 21-month conflict.
This expanded ground operation coincides with ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, aimed at a temporary cessation of hostilities and the release of some hostages.
Despite negotiators’ optimism, recent talks have stalled, showing no signs of a breakthrough after weeks. A major point of contention is the expected withdrawal of troops, as Israel increases its control over substantial portions of Gaza.
The Trump administration has been urging Israel to conclude the war, signaling growing impatience.
On Monday, President Donald Trump’s press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, stated that Mr. Trump was “caught off guard” by a recent Israeli strike on a Catholic church in Gaza.
Following visits to the damaged church last week, prominent Christian clergy in Jerusalem held a press conference on Tuesday, appealing for an end to the war.
In the latest strikes, at least 12 individuals were killed when tents sheltering displaced people in the densely populated Shati refugee camp, located on the western edge of Gaza City, were hit, according to Gaza City’s Shifa Hospital, where the casualties were taken.
Dr. Mohamed Abu Selmiyah, director of the hospital, informed the Associated Press that the deceased included three women and three children. He added that 38 other Palestinians sustained injuries.
Footage shared by the health ministry’s ambulance and emergency service depicted the aftermath of the strike, showing torn tents and bodies lying on the ground.
Hospitals reported that an overnight strike targeting crowds of Palestinians awaiting aid trucks in Gaza City resulted in eight deaths. The Palestinian Red Crescent stated that at least 118 people were wounded.
The Israeli military has not yet issued a statement regarding the strikes.
Israel attributes Palestinian civilian deaths to Hamas’s operations in densely populated areas.
Israel accuses Hamas of prolonging the war by rejecting Israel’s ceasefire terms, which include giving up power and disarming.
