Tue Jan 14 08:18:03 UTC 2025: ## Gaza Strikes Kill 18 Amidst Looming Ceasefire Deal

**Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip –** Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip have killed at least 18 Palestinians, including six women and four children, overnight, health officials reported Tuesday. This comes as Israel and Hamas appear closer than ever to a ceasefire agreement to end the 15-month war and secure the release of dozens of hostages.

Officials expressed growing optimism that a deal could be finalized in the coming days, following over a year of stalled negotiations. The proposed agreement, based on a framework proposed by President Biden and endorsed by the UN Security Council, would be phased. The first phase would involve Hamas releasing the most vulnerable hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners and an Israeli withdrawal from population centers, along with increased humanitarian aid. The second phase would see the release of remaining hostages contingent upon a full Israeli withdrawal and a lasting ceasefire.

However, the situation remains volatile. Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched a missile at central Israel, triggering sirens and causing damage to several homes outside Jerusalem, though no casualties were reported. Israel’s military stated that it attempted to intercept the missile.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in a devastating toll. Gaza’s Health Ministry reports over 46,000 Palestinian deaths, more than half women and children, while Israel claims to have killed over 17,000 fighters. The conflict has also displaced approximately 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million population, leaving hundreds of thousands in dire conditions in coastal tent camps.

The urgency for a ceasefire is heightened by the upcoming January 20th inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. U.S., Egyptian, and Qatari mediators are actively involved in negotiations in Doha. While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue fighting until Hamas is significantly weakened, the increasing pressure from international actors and the mounting humanitarian crisis suggest that a resolution may be within reach.

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