Fifty people, including children and Hamas officers, were killed by Israeli bombings in Gaza on Thursday and Friday. Several places were struck, including a designated humanitarian zone.
Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, approved a delegation to negotiate a ceasefire in Qatar at the same time. According to the media, the delegation, which includes representatives from the military, Shin Bet, and Mossad, is scheduled to leave on Friday. Hamas has yet to respond. Over the previous 15 months of fighting, peace negotiations led by the US have failed numerous times.
One strike hit the Muwasi humanitarian zone, where displaced Palestinians sought shelter, killing at least 10 people. Eight members of the local relief convoy security committees were murdered in another hit in Deir al-Balah.
The chief of Hamas internal security in southern Gaza was the target of the strike, according to an Israeli spokeswoman, who said he was hiding in the humanitarian zone.
Israel has accused Hamas of using aid for its own ends and has targeted Gaza’s police force on multiple occasions. This has impeded the delivery of help and led to a breakdown of law and order. Public security was upheld by the Hamas police force prior to the war. Their presence is now lessened.
In Maghazi, three more Palestinians lost their lives while out on the street. At least 24 people, including children, were killed in more strikes on central Gaza late Thursday and early Friday, notably in Maghazi and the Nuseirat refugee camp.
About 1,200 people were killed and about 250 were kidnapped in the October 7, 2023, Hamas invasion into Israel, which marked the start of the current conflict.
Following prostate surgery, Netanyahu was discharged from the hospital on Thursday. In order to take part in a parliamentary vote on Tuesday, he temporarily left the hospital.
Netanyahu has pledged that the offensive will not stop until Hamas is destroyed. After Israeli retreats, Hamas has reorganized in places like northern Gaza, despite losses.
