Fri Jan 03 07:35:58 UTC 2025: ## Israeli Airstrikes Kill Dozens in Gaza Amid Ongoing Ceasefire Negotiations

**Gaza Strip, January 3, 2025** – Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 93 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip since Thursday, January 2nd, including several children and members of local aid committees, according to Palestinian sources. The strikes targeted multiple locations, including a designated humanitarian zone in Muwasi, where hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians are seeking shelter from the ongoing conflict.

The Israeli military claims the strikes targeted Hamas security personnel involved in attacks against Israeli forces. However, witnesses reported strikes hitting civilians seeking shelter from the cold in the Muwasi humanitarian zone and others walking in the street in Maghazi. The Israeli government says Hamas is responsible for civilian casualties due to the group’s use of residential areas for military operations.

While the bombardment continued, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorized a delegation from Mossad, Shin Bet, and the military to pursue ceasefire negotiations in Qatar. The delegation is expected to depart on Friday. These U.S.-mediated talks, ongoing for 15 months, have repeatedly stalled.

The ongoing conflict, which began with a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, has resulted in over 45,000 Palestinian deaths according to the Gaza Health Ministry, and approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths. The war has caused widespread destruction and displacement, with an estimated 90% of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million displaced. Hunger is widespread across the territory. The situation is further complicated by Israel’s accusations that Hamas is misusing humanitarian aid.

The ongoing violence raises serious concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the prospects for a lasting ceasefire.

Read More