Deir al-Balah, June 14: Gaza’s Health Ministry said on Sunday that the Palestinian death toll from the Israel-Hamas war had surpassed 73,000, reaching 73,001 since the conflict began in October 2023. More than 173,200 people have been wounded.
Five deaths were reported on Sunday, including casualties in Khan Younis and central Gaza.
Despite a ceasefire brokered in October, Israeli strikes have continued, with two Palestinians killed in Khan Younis on Saturday.
The ceasefire ended large-scale fighting and secured the return of hostages, but key provisions have stalled, with both Israel and Hamas accusing each other of violating the agreement.
Israel strikes Beirut Suburbs before anticipated US-Iran deal
The Israeli military launched airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Beirut’s southern suburbs on Sunday, raising fears that the attacks could undermine ongoing efforts to secure a US-Iran peace agreement.
Smoke was seen rising over the Lebanese capital, and residents fled the area after a five-storey apartment building was struck.
There were no immediate reports of casualties.
Israel said the strikes were carried out in response to Hezbollah firing three projectiles into northern Israel earlier in the day.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israel would not tolerate attacks on its territory.
The latest strikes marked another escalation in tensions despite a fragile ceasefire that has largely held since April.
The attacks came as mediators pushed for a breakthrough in negotiations between the United States and Iran.
The proposed agreement, being facilitated by Pakistan and supported by regional actors, is expected to provide a framework for ending hostilities and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy shipping route.
Qatari mediators travelled to Tehran on Sunday to help finalise the deal.
Iran criticised the Beirut strikes, with parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf warning that the attacks could jeopardise the final stage of negotiations.
He questioned whether the United States was willing or able to fulfil its commitments.
US President Donald Trump and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have indicated that a deal could be signed soon, possibly through an electronic ceremony.
However, significant issues remain unresolved, including Iran’s nuclear programme, its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and billions of dollars in frozen assets.
The proposed agreement reportedly provides a 60-day framework for technical discussions on these contentious matters.
Critics in the United States and Israel argue that the deal falls short of earlier goals to dismantle Iran’s missile and nuclear capabilities and curb its support for regional proxy groups.
Despite the remaining challenges, regional officials expressed cautious optimism that the negotiations could help end months of conflict and restore stability to the region. (AP)
