Israeli Strikes and Rising Casualties Grip Gaza Amidst Peace Proposal Stalemate
Recent Israeli strikes and gunfire have resulted in the deaths of at least 57 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, according to health officials. The violence unfolds as Hamas considers a proposal from US President Donald Trump to end the nearly two-year-long war. The proposal's terms and ongoing conflict are drawing international attention.
Details of the Peace Proposal
The Trump plan, accepted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, demands Hamas release all 48 remaining hostages, disarm, and relinquish power. In return, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners would be freed, fighting would cease, and aid would flow into Gaza. However, the proposal notably omits any provision for Palestinian statehood. Qatar and Egypt, key mediators, suggest further negotiations are necessary.
Casualty Reports Across Gaza
Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza reported receiving 29 bodies, including 14 killed in a corridor frequently subject to shootings during aid distribution. The Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah reported receiving 16 bodies from separate strikes. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) confirmed the death of occupational therapist Omar Hayek, 42, while he was waiting for a bus in Deir al-Balah. Four others were seriously wounded.
"Omar was a quiet man of profound kindness and utter professionalism," said Doctors Without Borders about their deceased colleague.
In Gaza City, Shifa Hospital reported five deaths, but staff face difficulties accessing the facility due to the ongoing Israeli offensive. Other hospitals recorded at least seven more deaths from Israeli fire. The Israeli military has not yet commented but maintains it targets only militants and accuses Hamas of endangering civilians.
Aid Flotilla Intercepted and West Bank Violence
Israel intercepted an activist-led flotilla of over 40 vessels carrying symbolic aid, aiming to break the 18-year blockade of Gaza. Activists, including Greta Thunberg and European lawmakers, were detained for deportation. In the occupied West Bank, one Palestinian militant was killed, and another arrested after a car-ramming and shooting attack on an Israeli army checkpoint. No soldiers were reported injured.
Mounting Casualties and Humanitarian Crisis
Israel's campaign in Gaza has reportedly killed more than 66,200 Palestinians and wounded nearly 170,000, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. While the ministry does not differentiate between civilians and militants, it states that women and children comprise roughly half the dead. Around 400,000 Palestinians have fled Gaza City since the major offensive began last month. The Israeli defence minister ordered remaining Palestinians to leave Gaza City, considering those who stay militant supporters.
| Casualty Details (According to Gaza's Health Ministry) | Figures |
|---|---|
| Total Palestinians Killed | Over 66,200 |
| Total Palestinians Wounded | Nearly 170,000 |
| Percentage of Women and Children Among Dead | Around 50% |
Despite depleted capabilities, Hamas continues sporadic attacks. Recently, projectiles were launched into Israel, but they were intercepted or landed in open areas, causing no casualties.
Doctors Without Borders: A Direct Hit
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reported that an Israeli strike killed one of their workers, marking the 14th member of the medical charity to die since the beginning of the conflict in Gaza. The strike also wounded four others. The incident occurred on a street where staff were waiting for a bus to the MSF field hospital in Deir el-Balah. All staff were wearing MSF vests. Karin Huster, head of the MSF medical team in Gaza, described the event as a tragic loss for the families and the team.
"Enough killings -- whether targeted or not, this is unacceptable," stated Karin Huster from Doctors Without Borders.
The United Nations and rights groups have condemned the high death toll among humanitarians and aid workers in the territory. The conflict, which began with a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides.
