Israeli Airstrikes Shake Gaza Hours After US-Brokered Truce Announcement; 70 Reported Dead
At least 70 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza overnight Thursday, hours after mediators announced a ceasefire and hostage release deal aimed at ending 15 months of conflict between Israel and Hamas. Gaza’s civil emergency service reported the strikes also injured over 200 people.
The ceasefire, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the US, is set to begin Sunday, initiating a six-week truce with the phased release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners detained in Israel. However, tensions threaten the fragile accord.
Give the gift of hope
We practice what we preach:
accurate, fearless journalism. But we can't do it alone.
- On the ground in Gaza, Syria, Israel, Egypt, Pakistan, and more
- Our program trained more than 100 journalists
- Calling out fake news and reporting real facts
- On the ground in Gaza, Syria, Israel, Egypt, Pakistan, and more
- Our program trained more than 100 journalists
- Calling out fake news and reporting real facts
Join us.
Support The Media Line. Save democracy.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hamas of making “last-minute demands,” claiming the group was reneging on agreements regarding prisoner releases. Netanyahu’s office stated the Israeli cabinet would not convene to finalize the deal until mediators confirm Hamas’ acceptance of all terms.
While Hamas reaffirmed its commitment to the agreement, political divisions in Israel are complicating progress. Hardline members of Netanyahu’s government, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, oppose the ceasefire and have threatened to withdraw their support.
