Israeli Forces Kill More Civilians in Gaza

Fierce fighting escalates in northern Gaza; new ceasefire talks underway as health crisis worsens

Fighting Near Indonesian Hospital Intensifies

Israeli forces have surrounded the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry. They say the hospital has come under heavy gunfire, preventing medical staff, patients, and supplies from entering.

Israel’s military confirmed they were carrying out “extensive ground operations” in the area, part of a new offensive called Operation Gideon’s Chariots, which aims to dismantle Hamas’s military infrastructure.

Hospitals Under Fire and Health System Collapsing

Three public hospitals in northern Gaza are now out of service, the health ministry reports. In the last 24 hours alone, at least 67 people have been killed and more than 360 injured.

Mohammed Salha, who runs the al-Awda Hospital in northern Gaza, told the BBC the closure of the Indonesian Hospital affects their access to critical supplies like oxygen and intensive care support. His own hospital was also damaged in a bombing overnight.

Earlier this week, Israeli airstrikes hit two major hospitals in the southern city of Khan Younis — the Nasser Medical Complex and the European Hospital. The Israeli military said the European Hospital was being used by Hamas to hide a command center and claimed to have targeted Hamas fighters in a “precise strike.”

Israeli media say the target may have been senior Hamas member Mohammed Sinwar, the brother of former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.

Strikes and Civilian Toll Mount

Over the weekend, Israeli forces carried out more airstrikes across Gaza, including Beit Lahia in the north and Khan Younis in the south. The Jabalia refugee camp was also hit.

Thousands of Palestinians have been killed since Israel resumed its military campaign in March, after a temporary ceasefire broke down.

Israel says the expanded offensive is needed to free remaining hostages and destroy Hamas.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

Aid organizations are warning of a looming famine in Gaza, where 2.1 million people are trapped in worsening conditions. Israel has blocked the entry of most food and aid for more than 10 weeks. Shocking images and reports of starving children are emerging from the territory.

New Ceasefire Talks and Hostage Deal Proposal

Despite the renewed fighting, indirect talks between Hamas and Israel resumed in Qatar on Saturday.

A Palestinian official told the BBC that Hamas has offered to release nine hostages in exchange for a 60-day truce. The proposal also includes allowing 400 aid trucks into Gaza daily and evacuating patients in need of medical care.

Israel is demanding proof of life for the hostages and detailed information about the remaining captives. However, it insists it won’t withdraw troops or agree to end the war.

Background: How the War Began

The current war began on 7 October 2023, when Hamas fighters launched a deadly attack in southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages.

Since then, Israel’s response has resulted in the deaths of over 53,000 Palestinians, according to the health ministry in Gaza.

Israel says 58 hostages are still held in Gaza, with up to 23 believed to be alive.