Deir al-Bala, July 14: Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip overnight and into Monday killed at least 30 people, according to local hospitals, as the 21-month conflict with Hamas shows no signs of ending. The latest escalation follows two days of talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which concluded without a breakthrough on a ceasefire or hostage deal.
In southern Gaza, 12 people were killed, including three at an aid distribution point, according to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. Shifa Hospital in Gaza City reported 12 bodies, including three children and two women, after strikes in the north. Al-Awda Hospital in central Gaza confirmed six deaths and eight injuries following airstrikes on the Nuseirat refugee camp.
The Israeli military stated it targets Hamas militants while trying to avoid civilian casualties, blaming the militant group for operating in densely populated areas. It also said a June 19 airstrike killed senior Hamas member Muhammad Nasr Ali Quneita, who allegedly held hostage Israeli-British citizen Emily Damari after the October 7 attack. There has been no comment from Hamas or independent confirmation of the claim.
The war began when Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Around 50 remain captive. In response, Israel launched a massive offensive that has killed over 58,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which the UN and other observers consider credible. The war has displaced 90% of Gaza’s population, and aid agencies continue to warn of an impending famine. (AP)
