Gaza Death Toll Mounts as Ceasefire Hopes Fade: Children Killed in Latest Strikes
Gaza Death Toll Mounts as Ceasefire Hopes Fade: Children Killed in Latest Strikes
Scores were killed across Gaza yesterday, July 13, including several children tragically caught in an Israeli airstrike at a central Gaza water distribution point. This surge in casualties comes as critical ceasefire negotiations in Doha have once again stalled, with both Israeli and Hamas officials accusing each other of blocking a resolution.
Health officials reported 139 bodies brought to Gaza hospitals in the past 24 hours leading up to yesterday, marking the highest daily toll since early July. Among the most devastating incidents, six children and four adults were killed in the strike on the water point, an event the Israeli military acknowledged was a misfire targeting an ‘Islamic Jihad terrorist’. Separately, at least 12 people, including a prominent doctor, died in another Israeli airstrike targeting a crowded junction in central Gaza.
The weekend’s violence also saw significant fatalities on Saturday, July 12. The Palestinian health ministry claimed 27 were killed when Israeli troops opened fire on people seeking aid near southern Rafah, though the Israeli military and the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) denied the claim of gunfire from troops. However, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reported receiving 132 weapon-related injuries at its field hospital near the site, with 31 fatalities, underscoring the severe risks civilians face while attempting to access aid.
Diplomatic efforts remain deadlocked. US President Donald Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, expressed continued hope for a ceasefire, but a senior Hamas official stated talks had ‘stalled’ due to new Israeli conditions regarding troop redeployment. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted Israel accepted the latest US-brokered plan, but accused Hamas of rejection, reiterating his determination to eliminate Hamas and ensure Israel’s security. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum criticized Netanyahu, suggesting he is creating a ‘false impression’ that a deal is unattainable, against public will for an end to the war and hostage return.
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