GAZA – Israeli forces launched a fresh wave of airstrikes across Gaza, killing at least 116 Palestinians in the past 24 hours, international media reported on Wednesday.
The Israeli military targeted a hospital, a school and a food distribution center during the bombardment. An Israeli newspaper also reported that the army has received orders to fire on civilians waiting in line for food aid, further escalating the humanitarian crisis in the besieged enclave.
Palestinian resistance factions claimed to have retaliated by targeting Israeli troops and a military vehicle in the southern city of Khan Younis, one of the most heavily affected areas in the recent weeks.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military said that missiles were launched from Yemen toward Israel, though no casualties or damages have been confirmed yet.
In a surprising development, former US President Donald Trump announced that Israel agreed to a proposed 60-day ceasefire in Gaza.
In a statement on social media, Trump said his representatives held a “lengthy and productive meeting” with Israeli officials which resulted in Israel’s agreement to the terms for a temporary truce.
“We are working with all parties to bring an end to this war during the 60-day window,” Trump stated, adding that Qatar and Egypt are expected to submit final proposals for the ceasefire framework.
He expressed hope that Hamas would accept the terms of the agreement. “If they do not, the situation will continue to deteriorate,” he warned.
Speaking to the media earlier, Trump had indicated optimism that a ceasefire could be reached as early as next week. When asked whether a truce might be finalized before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s upcoming visit to the White House on July 7, Trump responded, “We’re close. We want Hamas to release the remaining hostages, and we believe a ceasefire is within reach.”
Prime Minister Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with Trump in Washington next week to discuss the ongoing Gaza conflict and broader regional security issues.
Earlier reports by Israeli media on June 26 also suggested that the war in Gaza could conclude within two weeks, with a proposal under consideration for four Arab nations to assume administrative control of the territory in place of Hamas.
Palestinian cyclist narrowly escapes Israeli airstrike debris in viral video from Gaza
